Ofcom has announced it will take action against social media sites if players or pundits are victims of online abuse.
The media regulator has written to online platforms, urging them to stop "illegal hate and abuse", warning them that they will be "held to account".
Ofcom's online safety group director, Oliver Griffiths, said: "No one should have to put up with the awful online abuse that we've seen directed towards so many people who work in sport.
"We've heard from those who have experienced this about the devastating impact it has on them, their livelihoods and their families.
"It can leave them feeling unable to do their jobs, unable to express themselves and even afraid to leave their homes.
"Tech firms now have a legal duty to deal with illegal hate and abuse.
"If people see illegal content online during the World Cup, they should make a point of reporting it to the relevant platform.
"We're pushing companies hard to make their services safer, and we'll be holding them to account if they don't."
Ofcom announced it will take action against social media sites if players or pundits are victims of online abuse
|PA
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Numerous England stars have been victims of racial abuse online during or after tournaments.
Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho faced online racial abuse after missing penalties in England's Euro 2020 final defeat.
England Lioness Jess Carter revealed she was targeted racially on social media during England's victory at Euro 2025.
Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham said: "A World Cup is the pinnacle of a player's career, and they have a right to play for their country without facing hateful or discriminatory content online.
Saka was a victim of racial abuse at Euro 2020
|GETTY
"Service providers must take the necessary steps to create a safer online experience for them - and all England fans - during this tournament.
"We welcome Ofcom reminding social media providers of the need for both vigilance and action during the World Cup."
The news follows Sir Keir Starmer being set to impose internet restrictions on millions of Britons within days.
The Prime Minister is expected to pursue an "Australian-plus" model following a three-month consultation on Australia's social media ban, combining restrictions on high-risk platforms for under-16s with curbs on addictive features and tougher age-verification checks.
The FA said it 'welcomes Ofcom reminding social media providers of the need for both vigilance and action'
| PAExperts have confirmed a social media ban for under-16s won't be easy.
Companies including Google and Apple could face fines, restrictions on device sales to minors or criminal penalties if they fail to comply within 90 days.
Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children's Commissioner, has urged ministers to extend any restrictions to all under-18s.
"If we are genuinely seeking to safeguard children from harm, we cannot allow 16 and 17-year-olds to have lesser protection," she told The Telegraph.
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