Listen to the article
Trump’s Immigration Policies Cast Shadow Over 2026 World Cup Plans
“This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase the beauty and the greatness of America. And we can’t wait to welcome soccer fans from all over the globe.” This statement by US President Donald Trump appears prominently on the US government’s official visa-information page for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
But the message of welcome stands in stark contrast with the broader policy landscape emerging in Trump’s second term. Immigration restrictions, intensified enforcement, and deportation raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have become defining elements of his administration.
“This is a difficult time in this country because a lot of things that are happening are extremely unusual,” says Daniel Kanstroom, professor at Boston College Law School. “We are seeing examples of ICE agents who appear to be overstepping their authority in some cases.”
The Trump administration has also tightened visa regulations, including broad suspensions affecting dozens of countries, in what Trump described as an effort to “permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries.”
The United States will host three-quarters of the tournament’s total 104 matches, with the remainder taking place in Canada and Mexico. Against this backdrop, social media has erupted with claims that thousands of fans are canceling their tickets out of fear of immigration enforcement.
Claims of Mass Ticket Cancellations Remain Unverified
Posts claiming that “overnight 16,800 people cancelled their World Cup Tickets” have gained significant traction online, with some messages viewed more than six million times. Other users have suggested that more than 25,000 people have canceled their tickets.
However, there is no official data supporting these claims. FIFA has reported receiving more than 500 million ticket applications during the latest random selection draw, while more than one million tickets have already been sold during the Visa presale phase.
When asked directly about the cancellation claims, FIFA did not provide specific confirmation or denial, instead referring to its latest media releases. The organization emphasized that tickets should only be purchased through its official platform, which includes a dedicated resale and exchange marketplace.
ICE Enforcement at World Cup Venues Deemed Unlikely
Public anxiety has grown as ICE continues conducting large-scale operations targeting undocumented migrants. Several social media posts have suggested that ICE could identify, detain, or deport fans attending the tournament.
Kanstroom believes such scenarios are highly improbable: “I do not expect ICE would be involved in this,” he told reporters, adding that the administration would not want to signal that ICE agents are targeting fans who have legally been admitted into the country. “The scenario of fans being jailed seems to be extremely, extremely unlikely.”
During Trump’s second term, ICE’s budget and enforcement authority have expanded significantly, making the agency a focal point of the administration’s migration crackdown. The agency has faced controversy; in Minneapolis, an ICE agent shot and killed a 37-year-old US citizen earlier this year, prompting widespread protests and debate over federal enforcement practices.
According to the US Department of Justice, security at major stadium events is led primarily by local and state law enforcement, with federal agencies providing intelligence and coordination—not frontline enforcement.
Brazilian Fans Can Still Attend Despite Visa Restrictions
False claims have circulated widely that Brazilian fans are barred from attending the World Cup. Spanish-language account Alerta News 24, with 2.6 million followers, reported: “In the midst of the World Cup year, U.S. President Trump suspends visa issuance for 75 countries, including Brazil.”
This claim mischaracterizes actual policy. The Trump administration has paused immigration visa processing—which affects those seeking permanent residence—from 75 countries, including Brazil, Colombia, and Egypt. However, short-term visas for travel and business, known as B1/B2 visas, remain available.
“A Brazilian national can still interview for a tourist visa to the United States that would allow them to attend the World Cup,” explained Eryne Hanlon, a US immigration lawyer based in London and New York.
The US Department of State has created a dedicated World Cup 2026 visa-information page where Brazilian applicants and others can find detailed instructions. Brazil—the most successful team in World Cup history with a record five titles—remains one of the top nations for ticket registrations, according to FIFA.
Fans from several countries, including Brazil, are required to have a valid US visitor visa (B1/B2) to travel to the US for the tournament. Most European travelers can enter visa-free under the ESTA Visa Waiver Program.
Trump has imposed a separate travel ban on 19 countries, which would affect fans from four World Cup-participating nations: Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast. “Iranian fans who are solely Iranian nationals will not be able to attend,” Hanlon noted. “If they are dual nationals and their other nationality is not on the list, they can attend.”
Athletes, coaches, and essential tournament personnel from these countries are exempt from the ban, ensuring team participation remains unaffected.
As preparations for the 2026 tournament continue, the tension between Trump’s welcome message and his administration’s immigration policies remains a source of confusion and concern for potential international visitors.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
16 Comments
Tricky balance the organizers have to strike here – upholding security while preserving the inclusive, global spirit of the World Cup. Curious to see their approach and whether it succeeds in attracting fans from around the world.
This is a complex issue with valid concerns on both sides. While security is paramount, the World Cup should bring people together in a spirit of unity. Hopefully a balanced solution can be found.
It’s disappointing to hear about these immigration-related challenges for the World Cup. The tournament is meant to transcend politics and bring the world together. Curious to see how the organizers address this sensitive situation.
This is a tricky issue with valid concerns on both sides. The World Cup is meant to unite people through sport, so I hope the authorities can find a way to address security needs without compromising the inclusive atmosphere.
Tough to see these immigration policies potentially dampening the excitement and diversity of the World Cup. Hopefully the organizers can work with authorities to find a reasonable compromise that keeps fans safe without excessive deterrents.
Immigration is always a hot-button issue, but the World Cup should be about bringing people together through sport. Hopefully the authorities can find a way to maintain security without overly restricting fan attendance and participation.
The World Cup is a chance to showcase the best of a country and its people. Hopefully the authorities can find ways to address security concerns without compromising the inclusive, welcoming spirit that should define the tournament.
This is a delicate situation that requires nuance. The World Cup should bring the global community together, not drive it apart through restrictive immigration policies. Curious to see how the organizers navigate this tricky balance.
While I understand the need for immigration controls, it would be a shame to see the World Cup suffer from overly restrictive policies. This tournament is meant to unite people, so hopefully a reasonable compromise can be reached.
Agreed, finding the right balance will be critical. Too heavy-handed an approach could really undermine the celebratory atmosphere the World Cup is meant to foster.
Concerning to hear about the tensions around immigration and its potential impact on the World Cup. We’ll need to watch closely how this situation evolves and whether it affects fan attendance and the overall atmosphere.
Immigration is a complex and sensitive topic. While the authorities need to maintain control, they should also strive to uphold the welcoming spirit that the World Cup is meant to embody. Delicate balance required here.
The World Cup is a global celebration, so it’s concerning to hear about potential visa and immigration issues that could undermine that spirit. Curious to see how the organizers navigate this tricky situation.
Agreed, the authorities will need to tread very carefully here. Too heavy-handed an approach could really backfire and turn fans off from attending.
Restricting visas and increasing deportations could really dampen the global spirit of the World Cup. Hopefully the authorities can find a balanced approach that promotes security without deterring legitimate fans.
Agreed, a heavy-handed approach on immigration could backfire and undermine the celebratory nature of the tournament. The organizers will need to tread carefully.