administration president of the United States, Donald Trump, It is not ruled out that raids and arrests will be made during the 2026 FIFA World CupWhich will be held between June 11 and July 19. In recent statements, the head of the White House Working Group on Sports Events said, Andrew GiulianiHe confirmed that the President Does not reject any action that “makes it safer” To the country.
Since the Republican president took office, US territories have been continuously involved Anti-immigrant raids carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Icefor its abbreviation in English). Less than a year to go World Cup 2026The Trump administration confirmed that the operations It can continue during a sporting event.
Giuliani spoke about this at a press conference in Washington. “I must insist on that President Trump is not ruling out anything that would make this country saferHe expressed, in statements quoted by: Evie.
Along these lines, he asserted: “What We will not tolerate troublemakers who threaten security.Afterwards, the former golfer stated that the tournament would “prove that security and hospitality can go hand in hand.”
Its place is organization Human Rights Watch I shared the case of A An asylum seeker was arrested during the FIFA Club World Cup final On July 13, 2025. International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) He replied by letter on June 3.
The entity stressed in the email that it hopes “ Host countries take necessary measures To ensure that all eligible persons participate in the competition You can enterThen he indicated that he is “working diligently on this matter with the relevant authorities.”
This international event will be held for the first time in history in three different countries. The official FIFA website explains this 104 matches will be played Distributed as follows: 78 in the United States13 in Canada and 13 in Mexico. The 16 host cities will be:
according to Human Rights Watchfrom January 20 to October 15, the last day for which the organization has data, ICE At least 92,392 people were arrested in the US cities where the matches will be held and surrounding areas. This does not include operations Customs and Border Protection (Customs and Border Protectionfor its abbreviation in English). Among all these arrests 65.1% encounter immigrants who do not have criminal records.
In mid-November, the federal government unveiled a new system allowing this Grants Priority appointments To obtain visas for the 2026 World Cup. Under the name FIFA Pass, the initiative has been promoted before Ministry of Foreign Affairs (twofor its abbreviation in English) It allows those with tournament tickets to move forward with immigration procedures.
FIFA stated on its website that fans who must request an appointment will have to submit their request as soon as possible. To do this, it is necessary for people to complement Online Visa Application (DS-160)pay the interview fee and select the first available date and time for the interview. “Only then will the Consular Section consider your application Request a priority appointment“, DOS warns.
The highest institution of international football announced this More information about the system will be made available to ticket holders in early 2026.