Football Supporters Europe (FSE) expressed "extreme concern" regarding US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and increased police presence before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. FSE described the "militarisation of police forces" in the US as a major worry for fans planning to attend [excerpt].
Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the American Civil Liberties Union also share these concerns. Over 92,000 people were arrested by ICE between January and October near World Cup host cities. Incidents include raids in Los Angeles, leading to protests and the deployment of National Guard troops. An asylum seeker was detained before the 2025 Club World Cup final.
The White House has not ruled out further ICE operations during the tournament. This has led some fans to sell tickets due to fears of arrest or deportation. Concerns also extend to potential delays in US visa processing for international visitors. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has urged fans to boycott the US.
