Argentine bishops raise alarm over child gambling during World Cup

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentine Catholic bishops warned that the tournament is spurring a surge in gambling among children and teenagers. Archbishop Ángel Rossi of Córdoba said mobile betting platforms have become ubiquitous, with a Red Cross survey indicating that 83 % of adolescents now gamble via virtual wallets, many unable to distinguish legal from illegal sites. The bishops urged parents, teachers and parishes to monitor youths closely, noting that betting ads reappear during halftime and other breaks despite FIFA’s ban on bookmaker promotions.

At the same time, conspiracy‑theory narratives have circulated online linking Argentina’s football success to political manipulation. Theories allege that FIFA favours Argentina, citing controversial VAR decisions, alleged interference by former dictator Jorge Rafael Videla and past diplomatic figures, and claims of preferential referee appointments. While these theories have no verifiable evidence, they contribute to the broader discourse surrounding the World Cup’s impact on Argentine society.