Fan Group Raises Concerns About ICE Activity Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Football Supporters Europe worries about security and policing at upcoming tournament in the U.S.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 10:31am

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With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has expressed growing concerns about federal law enforcement activity, including from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), inside the United States. The group says FIFA has not provided sufficient security information for traveling fans and there is a lack of clarity around what will be allowed in stadiums and what police forces will be deployed.

Why it matters

The safety and security of fans attending the World Cup is a major priority, and the concerns raised by FSE highlight potential issues that could disrupt the tournament and impact the experience for international visitors. The group's comments also reflect broader tensions around immigration enforcement and policing in the U.S.

The details

According to FSE, the group is "extremely concerned by the ongoing militarization of police forces in the U.S." and says there is "no clarity as to what will be allowed in the stadiums, who will be deployed inside, which police forces will be working where." The group also notes that the U.S. has not yet invited visiting police delegations, which is "unprecedented in the modern history of the tournament." Despite these concerns, U.S. authorities have not ruled out the presence of ICE officials at World Cup events.

  • The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19.
  • Over the past year, the Trump administration has engaged in immigration crackdowns in several U.S. cities.

The players

Football Supporters Europe (FSE)

A fan group that has expressed concerns about security and policing at the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the United States.

Ronan Evain

The executive director of Football Supporters Europe.

FIFA

The international governing body of association football, which is responsible for organizing the World Cup.

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What’s next

FIFA has stated that it is confident the collective efforts of the organizers will ensure a safe, secure and welcoming environment for everyone involved in the 2026 World Cup.

The takeaway

The concerns raised by the Football Supporters Europe group highlight the need for clear and transparent communication from FIFA and U.S. authorities about security plans and the role of law enforcement agencies like ICE at the 2026 World Cup. Ensuring the safety and comfort of international fans will be crucial for the success of the tournament.