FIFA is facing growing pressure to intervene over US immigration enforcement policies ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with calls for the organisation to urge President Donald Trump to suspend Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids during the tournament.
According to reports, senior FIFA officials have discussed asking president Gianni Infantino to request a temporary halt to raids, amid concerns that aggressive immigration enforcement could deter fans and players from attending the event.
The World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to attract millions of international visitors. Critics argue that ongoing ICE operations — part of a broader immigration crackdown that has led to millions of deportations — could create fear among migrant communities and foreign supporters.
Human rights groups and some officials warn that the presence of immigration raids near stadiums or host cities could undermine the inclusive image FIFA promotes for the tournament.
While FIFA has not made a formal request, Infantino is reportedly considering raising the issue directly with Trump. Supporters of the proposal say a temporary pause would help ensure safety and accessibility, while opponents argue immigration enforcement is a domestic policy matter.
