Meta apps in football mode
What will change for WhatsApp users during the World Cup
June 12, 2026 – 2:04 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Just in time for the World Cup, Meta is equipping its apps with new functions. What changes for WhatsApp users and what Meta warns about at the same time.
Meta has integrated numerous new functions into its apps for the start of the 2026 World Cup. The company announced, among other things, live chats, stickers and real-time scores for Threads, Instagram, Facebook, Messenger and WhatsApp. For most users in Germany, a small change in WhatsApp should be particularly noticeable.
There, the company will replace the usual football emoji with the tournament’s official match ball until the final on July 19th. The model is called Trionda and comes from the supplier Adidas. Anyone who sends the emoji in a message or as a reaction will now see the World Cup ball. There is no need for your own setting; the adjustment happens automatically.
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The service has also announced additional World Cup features, such as a football sticker pack, effects for video calls and a section for scores and club channels.
Meta warns about ticket fraud
At the same time, Meta points to an increase in attempted fraud around the tournament. Since the end of May, anyone who searches for terms about World Cup tickets on Facebook or calls up corresponding groups has received a warning to only buy tickets from verified sources. The reports also link to tools that can be used to report suspicious accounts.
According to Meta, the number of fake ticket offers, dubious travel and visa offers and counterfeit websites is increasing at major sporting events. The company refers to a joint campaign with the payment service provider Visa, in which a network of fake World Cup-related sites was shut down. Meta says it is also working with consumer protection authorities in Canada and Mexico to provide information.
The US Federal Police FBI also issued a warning before the tournament. Criminals imitated FIFA websites to steal personal data and sell fake tickets and dubious travel packages.