Of all the jarring things I’ve witnessed on the National Mall, nothing will beat the image of the first thing I saw after I cleared security at the Army festival: a child, sitting at the controls of an M119A3 Howitzer, being instructed by a soldier on how to aim it, as his red-hatted parents took a photo with the Washington Monument in the background.
Technology
Tanks, guns and face-painting
The primary stated reason for the Grand Military Parade is to celebrate the US Army’s 250th birthday. The second stated reason is to use the event for recruiting purposes. Like other military branches, the Army has struggled to meet its enlistment quotas for over the past decade. And according to very defensive Army spokespeople trying to convince skeptics that the parade was not for Donald Trump’s birthday, there had always been a festival planned on the National Mall that day, and it had been in the works for over two years, and the parade, tacked on just two months ago, was purely incidental. Assuming that their statement was true, I wasn’t quite sure if they had anticipated so many people in blatant MAGA swag in attendance — or how eager they were to bring their children and hand them assault rifles.
There had been kid-friendly events planned: an NFL Kids Zone with a photo op with the Washington Commanders’ mascot, a few face-painting booths, several rock-climbing walls. But they were dwarfed, literally, by dozens of war machines parked along the jogging paths: massive tanks, trucks with gun-mounted turrets, assault helicopters, many of them currently used in combat, all with helpful signs explaining the history of each vehicle, as well as the guns and ammo it could carry. And the families — wearing everything from J6 shirts to Vineyard Vines — were drawn more to the military vehicles, all-too-ready to place their kids in the cockpit of an AH-1F Cobra 998 helicopter as they pretended to aim the nose-mounted 3-barrelled Gatling Cannon. Parents told their children to smile as they poked their little heads out of the hatch of an M1135 Stryker armored vehicle; reminded them to be patient as they waited in line to sit inside an M109A7 self-propelled Howitzer with a 155MM rifled cannon.
But seeing a kid’s happiness of being inside a big thing that goes boom was nothing compared to the grownups’ faces when they got the chance to hold genuine military assault rifles — especially the grownups who had made sure to wear Trump merch during the Army’s birthday party. (Some even handed the rifles to their children for their own photo ops.) It seemed that not even a free Army-branded Bluetooth speaker could compare to how fucking sick the modded AR-15 was. Attendees were in raptures over the Boston Dynamics robot dog gun, the quadcopter drone gun, or really any of the other guns available (except for those historic guns, those were only maybe cool).
However many protesters made it out to DC, they were dwarfed by thousands of people winding down Constitution Avenue to enter the parade viewing grounds: lots of MAGA heads, lots of foreign tourists, all people who really just like to see big, big tanks. “Angry LOSERS!” they jeered at the protesters. (“Don’t worry about them,” said one cop, “they lost anyways.”) and after walking past them, crossing the bridge, winding through hundreds of yards of metal fencing, Funneling through security, crossing a choked pedestrian bridge over Constitution Ave, I was finally dumped onto the parade viewing section: slightly muggy and surprisingly navigable. But whatever sluggishness the crowd was feeling, it would immediately dissipate the moment a tank turned the corner — and the music started blasting.
Americans have a critical weakness for 70s and 80s rock, and this crowd seemed more than willing to look past the questionable origins of the parade so long as the soundtrack had a sick guitar solo. An M1 Abrams tank driving past you while Barracuda blasts on a tower of speakers? Badass. Black Hawk helicopters circling the Washington Monument and disappearing behind the African-American history museum, thrashing your head to “separate ways” by Journey? Fucking badass. ANOTHER M1 ABRAMS TANK?!?!! AND TO FORTUNATE SON??!?!? “They got me fucking hooked,” a young redheaded man said behind me as the crowd screamed for the waving drivers. (The tank was so badass that the irony of “Fortunate Son” didn’t matter.)
When you listen to the hardest fucking rock soundtrack long enough, and learn more about how fucking sick the Bradley Fighting Vehicles streaming by you are (either from the parade announcer or the tank enthusiast next to you), an animalistic hype takes over you — enough to drown out all the nationwide anger about the parade, the enormity of Trump’s power grab, the fact that two Minnesota Democratic lawmakers were shot in their homes just that morning, the riot police roving the streets of LA.
It helped that it didn’t rain. It helped that the only people at the parade were the diehards who didn’t care if they were rained out. And by the end of the parade, they didn’t even bother to stay for Trump’s speech, beelining back to the bridge at the first drop of rain.
The only thing that mattered to this crowd inside the security perimeter — more than the Army’s honor and history, and barely more than Trump himself — was firepower, strength, hard rock, and America’s unparalleled, world-class ability to kill.
Meta is, by and large, a company built on other companies’ ideas. It has almost perfected the strategy: wait for a new platform or social mechanic to take off, then either buy or clone it, put it next to Meta’s unmatched user base and advertising engine, and watch the money pile up. Well, the next big thing appears to be turning everything into gambling. So why wouldn’t Meta make a Polymarket?
On this episode of The Vergecast, David and Nilay discuss the reported prediction market app being built inside Meta, plus the company’s onslaught of other news this week — and its massive, apparently increasing morale problems. Nilay’s at Cannes Lions in France this week, where Meta’s advertising prowess is on full display, and yet it also feels like Meta is in crisis. So which is it? And what is your Facebook feed about to become?
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You finally find World Cup seats that fit your budget. The site looks polished. The ticket has a QR code. The seller says someone else wants them, so you need to move fast. That is exactly the moment scammers are counting on.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs through July 19, 2026, across the United States, Canada and Mexico. With the tournament underway, fans are still hunting for last-minute seats. Meanwhile, fraudsters are using fake ticket listings, spoofed FIFA websites, social media posts and artificial intelligence-made scams to steal money and personal information.
This scam hits differently because the purchase feels emotional. Maybe you are planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Perhaps the tickets are a surprise for your child or grandchild. Or maybe you are trying to turn a match into a memory your family talks about for years. That is why knowing where these scams show up, and how they pressure fans, can save you from a painful and expensive mistake.
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A Cape Verde fan attends the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H match between Uruguay and Cape Verde at Miami Stadium in Miami on June 21, 2026. (Craig Williamson/SNS Group)
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World Cup ticket scams are surging during the tournament
The tournament’s timing, ticket demand and last-minute pressure are giving scammers exactly what they need. World Cup tickets are expensive. Demand is intense. Many fans waited until the tournament started to look for seats. That creates the perfect opening for criminals.
Scammers love urgency. A sold-out match makes people panic. A lower price can feel like luck. A countdown timer can make you ignore the little things that feel off.
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The FBI has already warned that cybercriminals are creating fake FIFA websites. These sites copy FIFA branding, official-looking pages and ticket language. Some fake domains look close enough to fool a fan checking from a phone.
The FBI also said scammers may use these fake sites to collect names, home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and banking information. That is important because this scam can go beyond one bad ticket purchase. Once criminals have that personal information, they can try to open accounts in your name. They can also target you with more believable scams later.
The real FIFA ticketing page is the safest place to start, since scammers are creating spoofed sites that look official. (Elisa Schu/Picture Alliance via Getty Images)
Fake FIFA websites can steal more than ticket money
A fake ticket site can look official while quietly collecting your payment details and personal information. The safest move is also the easiest one to overlook. Type FIFA.com directly into your browser. Then go to the official ticketing page from there.
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Do not rely on a search ad. Do not trust a link in a text. Be careful with links in Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats or emails that claim to offer verified seats. Scammers can buy ads. They can clone logos. They can copy the feel of an official checkout page. A fake page may even have clean writing and a professional design.
That means the old scam clues may not show up. You may not see misspelled words or strange graphics. The fake page may look good enough to pass a quick glance. Before you enter payment details, slow down and look at the address bar. The official FIFA site should use FIFA.com. If the domain includes extra words, odd spellings or a different ending, back out.
FBI lists fake FIFA domains to watch for
The FBI named examples of spoofed FIFA domains so fans can see how small changes can make a fake page look official.
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The FBI says more fake websites may appear leading up to and throughout the 2026 World Cup. These examples have already been identified:
- www.fifa[.]cab
- www.fifa[.]pink
- www.fifa[.]blue
- www.fifa[.]pub
- FIFA[.]city
- Fifa[.]bio
- fifa[.]beer
- fifa[.]click
- fifa[.]cam
- fifa[.]ceo
- fifa[.]help
- filfa[.]org
- fifa-online[.]com
- https://fifa-2026[.]xyz
- jobs-fifa[.]com
- fifa-hr[.]com
- fifa-careerhub[.]com
- fifaworldcup-careers[.]com
- fifa-hiring[.]com
- fifahiring[.]com
- fifa-ticket[.]live
- fifastore.us[.]com
- fifaworldcup26[.]sale
- fifaworldcup26.xcover-staging[.]com
- worldcup2026-tickets.com[.]mx
- worldcup26ticket[.]com
- 2026fifaworldcuptickets[.]online
- fwc2026[.]net
- fwc2026.web[.]app
- www.fifa2026p[.]com
- fifa2026fworldcup[.]com
- wvvw-fifa[.]com
- ww-fifa[.]com
- fifa-com[.]com
- www.fifa-com[.]services
- quiniela-fifa-2026.pages[.]dev
Notice the patterns. Some domains use strange endings. Others add words like “ticket,” “career,” “hiring” or “World Cup.” A few rely on tiny spelling tricks, such as changing “www” to “wvvw.” The FBI calls this typo squatting. That means scammers count on people making small typing mistakes or clicking links too quickly.
AI ticket scams make fake listings look legitimate
Artificial intelligence is helping scammers make fake ticket pages, emails and seller messages feel more believable. Fake pages can now have polished copy, realistic customer service language and smooth checkout prompts.
Scammers can also create fake confirmation emails that look like they came from a real ticketing company. They can generate ticket screenshots, QR codes and fake order pages in minutes. That means a nice-looking QR code proves very little. So does a screenshot of a ticket.
A scammer can copy a real-looking image, edit it and send it to several buyers. By the time fans find out, the seller may be gone. The real test is whether the ticket transfers through the official channel. For World Cup tickets, that means using FIFA’s official ticketing system or official resale marketplace.
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If a seller refuses to transfer the ticket through the proper platform, walk away. A screenshot should make you more suspicious, not more comfortable.
World Cup resale problems are already hitting fans
Even fans who use known resale platforms can end up with refunds instead of seats. Bina Ramroop reportedly bought World Cup tickets through StubHub for her grandson’s 13th birthday. She paid $485 per ticket for Spain versus Cape Verde in Atlanta. When she arrived, the tickets would not transfer into the FIFA ticketing app. StubHub offered a refund. However, she wanted the experience, not the money back.
Another fan, Pape Ndaw, reportedly bought tickets in December for about $550 each. Two days before a June 14 match near Dallas, he received a message saying the seller could not deliver. He later found last-minute seats going for more than $1,500 each.
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Then there was Patrick O’Neil’s family. They traveled to Atlanta after buying five tickets through StubHub. Two tickets transferred. Three never arrived. Some family members went in, while the others watched nearby.
These examples show the ugly part of the resale market. Even a known platform may leave you with a refund instead of a seat. That may not help after you have paid for flights, hotels and time off.
Social media World Cup ticket deals carry big risks
Ticket offers on Facebook Marketplace, X, Reddit, Telegram and WhatsApp can look more trustworthy than they really are. A scammer may use a real-looking profile photo, a friendly message and a believable excuse.
They might say a family member got sick. They could claim their group has extra seats. Or they may tell you they “just want a real fan to go.” That story could be true. However, it could also be bait.
The biggest warning sign is when the seller pushes you away from a protected checkout system. If they ask for Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, wire transfer, gift cards or crypto, your risk jumps fast. Those payments can be hard to reverse. In some cases, you may have no easy way to get your money back.
Also, watch for pressure. A legitimate seller may want to move quickly, but a scammer wants you to stop thinking, so you send money before checking the ticket, the transfer method or the website.
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How to spot a World Cup ticket scam
These warning signs can help you pause before a fake seller turns your excitement into a costly mistake.
1) Check the website address before you click
Look closely at the domain. The FBI says scammers use typo squatting, which means they rely on small spelling changes or fake web endings to trick people. For example, a fake site may use an extra letter, a strange ending or words like “ticket,” “career,” or “World Cup” to look official. The real FIFA website should be entered directly as www.fifa.com. If the link looks different, back out before entering your name, payment details or login information.
2) Watch the ticket transfer method
A real ticket should transfer through the official ticketing system. A screenshot, PDF or QR code image should not be enough. If the seller refuses to use the official transfer process, end the conversation.
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3) Avoid risky payment requests
Be careful if a seller asks for peer-to-peer payment apps, crypto, gift cards or a wire transfer. A credit card often gives you stronger fraud protections. Also, keep the transaction inside a trusted platform whenever possible.
4) Question the bargain price
A seat far below the going rate may be bait. Scammers know fans are searching for one lucky break. Compare the price with official listings and trusted resale options. If the gap feels huge, treat it as a warning sign.
5) Slow down when the seller adds pressure
Scammers love phrases like “last chance,” “someone else wants them” or “pay now.” Take a breath before you pay. A few extra minutes can save your money, your trip and your personal information.
Scottish fans took over Ocean Avenue in Miami’s South Beach. (Photo by Ryan McDougall/PA Images via Getty Images)
What to do before buying World Cup tickets
A few checks before checkout can help you avoid fake tickets, bad transfers and stolen account details.
1) Start with FIFA’s official ticketing page
Go directly to FIFA’s official site and navigate from there. Avoid sponsored search results for tickets. The FBI has warned that paid imitators can try to pull fans away from the legitimate site.
2) Bookmark the real FIFA site
After you reach the real FIFA website, save it as a bookmark or favorite. That gives you a safer way back later. Also, be careful with FIFA subdomains. The FBI says fans should navigate to subdomains, such as plus.fifa.com, directly from the official FIFA homepage instead of typing them from memory.
3) Be careful with ads
Exercise caution when clicking ads for tickets, hospitality, merchandise or jobs. Before you click an ad, check the URL. Some malicious ads may display one website but send you somewhere else.
4) Use safer payment options
Use a credit card when possible. It may give you more options if something goes wrong. Do not send money to a stranger through Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, wire transfer, gift cards or crypto.
5) Protect your accounts before checkout
Use a password manager so fake sites do not trick you into reusing passwords. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for your email, FIFA account and payment accounts. That adds another layer if scammers get your password.
6) Keep proof before you travel
Save emails, receipts, transfer confirmations and seller messages. Before you leave for the stadium, confirm that the ticket appears in the official ticketing app or platform. Do not wait until you are standing at the gate.
What to do if a World Cup ticket scam hits you
Fast action can limit the financial damage and reduce the risk of identity theft.
1) Contact your bank or credit card company
Explain what happened and ask what options you have to dispute the charge or block further payments.
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2) Change your passwords
Change the password for any account tied to the transaction. Start with your email because scammers often use it to reset other logins. Use a password manager to create strong, unique passwords for your FIFA account, email, banking apps and any account where you reused the same password.
3) Turn on two-factor authentication
Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) if you have not already. Start with your email, banking apps and any account tied to the fake ticket purchase.
4) Save the evidence
Keep screenshots, emails, seller profiles, payment receipts and website addresses.
5) Check your device
Run strong antivirus software if you clicked a suspicious link or downloaded anything from a fake ticket site. A scam page may try to steal more than payment details. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.
6) Reduce your personal information online
A data removal service can help reduce how much personal information scammers can find about you online. That can make future impersonation attempts harder. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.
7) Report the scam to the FBI
Report the fake site or seller to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. Include the fake domain, a description of what happened, what information you entered and any payment details. If money changed hands, include the payment date, amount, payment type, account numbers involved and any receiving bank or crypto wallet details you have.
8) Freeze your credit if sensitive information was exposed
If you entered sensitive personal details, freeze your credit. Then watch for new accounts or hard inquiries you do not recognize.
Kurt’s key takeaways
World Cup ticket scams are getting harder to spot because fake sites now look clean, polished and believable. AI makes that problem worse. The safest route is still FIFA’s official ticketing system. If you buy anywhere else, understand the risk before you pay. A screenshot or QR code does not prove that a ticket will get you into the stadium. The transfer needs to happen through the official platform. Do not let urgency make the decision for you. Scammers want you to be rushed and emotional. If a deal feels too easy, take a breath and check the source. The few minutes you spend verifying the ticket could save your money, your trip and your personal information.
Would you risk buying a last-minute World Cup ticket from a stranger online if the deal looked almost too good to pass up? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Android 17 is getting a dedicated gaming mode for foldables that will put a virtual gamepad with touch controls on half of your screen to theoretically make it easier to play games.
With foldable gaming mode, which is set to launch in the coming months, the virtual controller emulates physical button presses at a system level and is designed to work “with any game that supports physical controllers,” says Google’s Mishaal Rahman on Reddit. For the actual inputs, the virtual controller will have a D-pad; left and right virtual sticks; A, B, X, and Y buttons; L1, L2, L3; R1, R2, and R3; and a start button. And you’ll be able to configure the gamepad in several ways, such as keeping the virtual joysticks inline or staggered from each other, scaling the size of the buttons, and toggling haptics on or off.
Turning on the mode “is as simple as unfolding your device, either before or after launching a compatible game,” Rahman says. You can also choose to hide the gamepad, and if you connect a physical controller, the virtual gamepad will turn off on its own.
“Android allows you to play a wide variety of games on the go,” says Rahman. “While touch controls work incredibly well for many titles, certain games are better enjoyed with physical gamepads. The problem is that carrying a Bluetooth controller or a snap-on gamepad with you everywhere isn’t always convenient. We want to bridge that gap, and we’re addressing it with a new feature in the Android 17 platform release that’s specifically tailored for foldable devices.”
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