Rabat – FIFA officials have discussed asking President Donald Trump to suspend immigration raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the 2026 World Cup.
The idea is that FIFA president Gianni Infantino could make a direct appeal to Trump for a moratorium covering the entire tournament.
Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has pushed mass deportation policies. ICE raids in U.S. cities have led to violent clashes, including the deaths of two citizens in Minnesota earlier this year.
Data reported by the Washington Post indicate ICE arrested about 1,000 people per day in the weeks after those incidents, with nearly half having no criminal record.
Concerns around ICE’s role
ICE’s acting director, Todd Lyons, has said the agency will play a “key part” in World Cup security, focusing on Homeland Security investigations.
But unions, lawmakers, and fans worry ICE’s involvement could extend to immigration enforcement near stadiums. Some European federations have already raised concerns with FIFA about the safety of their supporters.
During last summer’s Club World Cup, fans reported seeing ICE and Customs and Border Protection officials at venues. The Department of Homeland Security denied those claims, calling them “fear‑mongering.”
Infantino has built a close relationship with Trump. He attended Trump’s inauguration, appeared at rallies, and even opened a FIFA office in Trump Tower.
In December, Infantino awarded Trump the first FIFA Peace Prize. Because of this bond, FIFA executives believe Infantino may have leverage to secure concessions from the White House.
According to sources quoted by The Athletic, discussions began with the idea of keeping ICE away from stadiums in the 11 U.S. host cities.
They later reportedly expanded to cover all cities and base camps across the country. FIFA officials concluded the only workable solution would be a full moratorium on ICE raids for the 39‑day tournament.
Infantino is said to have told colleagues he was open to making the request. It is unclear if he has already spoken to Trump or whether the White House would agree to such a move.
Possible joint announcement
FIFA officials even floated the idea of a joint announcement with the White House, presenting the moratorium as a positive story for both sides.
They suggested framing it under Infantino’s slogan, “FIFA Unites the World.” But Trump’s administration has made immigration enforcement a central policy, raising doubts about whether it would accept such a proposal.
Last year, FIFA quietly reached an understanding with U.S. authorities that ICE would not conduct raids near Club World Cup venues. Officials hope for a similar arrangement, but the scale of the World Cup makes the issue more complex.
White House response
Asked about the matter, a White House spokesperson praised Trump’s leadership and said the president is focused on making the 2026 World Cup “the greatest and most secure in history.”
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the World Cup Task Force, added that Trump has ordered federal, state, and local partners to ensure safety across the 11 host cities.
Trump himself has signaled a softer approach after criticism of ICE operations in Minnesota, withdrawing 700 officers but insisting enforcement would remain “tough.”
FIFA’s planning has already been complicated by U.S. policies. Travel bans affect four participating countries, limiting fan attendance.
Supporters from other nations, including Algeria and Cape Verde, must pay large bond deposits to secure visas. Human Rights Watch has urged FIFA to seek guarantees that immigration enforcement will not disrupt games.
Unions at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, the site of the opening U.S. match, have also threatened strikes, listing ICE activity as a major concern.
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