'Messi-ng' explained as World Cup 2026 fuels huge dating trend

It looks like the 2026 World Cup has already had a huge impact on dating, with an unexpected trend emerging.

The football tournament, which is being hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, has apparently put more people, ahem, in the mood, as Tinder has seen an increase in Swipes, Likes, and matches across the host cities.

As reported by Mashable, data has revealed that America has seen an over 15 per cent increase in users, as well as a 25 per cent surge in Swipe activity, and an almost 60 per cent spike in matches compared to last June.

Mexico and Canada have also seen increases in ‘Messi-ng’ around, if you’ll pardon the pun.

The outlet reports that the dating app has seen a 47 per cent increase among international users in general in the host cities, with the data being taken between June 11 and 16.

Tinder users have been swiping away during the World Cup games (SOPA Images/Getty Images)

As for specifics, some of the largest jumps in use include the whopping 80 per cent increase for users in Monterrey when the Sweden vs Tunisia game was on, a 74 per cent increase in Guadalajara during Korea Republic vs Czechia, and a 47 per cent rise in Boston while fans were watching Iraq vs Norway.

On top of this, the data also shows that domestic users are the ones driving the increase, with a 22 per cent rise from this time last year.

As reported by The Independent, Tinder’s Passport Mode, a setting on the dating app which lets users to match with people outside of their country while travelling, has also seen a surge in usage.

With fans travelling far and wide to see their country play in the tournament, and an increase in US tourism, it’s understandable that they’re also making the most of it as a dating opportunity.

The dating app has seen a 47 per cent increase among international users in the host cities (Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Dazed reports that there are already videos popping up of people finding love at the matches.

People who couldn't get a hold of tickets to the actual games are also making the most of it by going out to their local pub to watch the footie, and hoping that sparks will fly.

Karen Gutierrez, a 31-year-old woman in Dallas, told the outlet: “I usually stick to the dating apps (not very successful), but with the World Cup, I make it a plan to go out and watch the matches with my friends.

"Wearing a jersey is the easiest conversation starter ever, and it doesn’t always have to be romantic, but just starting up conversations is so fun."