Concerns are mounting among fans of the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the United States, with a fan group expressing "extreme concern" over ICE raids in the country ahead of the summer tournament.
The Football Supporters Europe (FSE) organization says it is deeply worried about the militarization of police forces in the US and the potential for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting undocumented immigrants at World Cup venues. The situation has sparked fears among fans that they may be unfairly targeted or detained during the event.
FSE's executive director, Ronan Evain, stated that traveling fans are facing "little to no information" about what will be allowed or not allowed in stadiums or what to expect from police elsewhere in the country. He also expressed concern over the complete lack of a security doctrine for the World Cup, with no clear plan in place for safety and security measures.
Evain warned that there is "no clarity as to what will be allowed inside stadiums, who will be deployed inside, which police forces will be working where." This lack of transparency has raised concerns among fans about their safety and well-being during the tournament.
FIFA has assured fans that it is working closely with local authorities and US federal agencies to ensure a safe and secure environment for all participants. However, many fans remain skeptical due to the ongoing immigration crackdown in the US under President Trump's administration.
The situation highlights the complexities and challenges associated with hosting a major international sporting event like the World Cup, particularly when it comes to issues of security, safety, and immigration.
The Football Supporters Europe (FSE) organization says it is deeply worried about the militarization of police forces in the US and the potential for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting undocumented immigrants at World Cup venues. The situation has sparked fears among fans that they may be unfairly targeted or detained during the event.
FSE's executive director, Ronan Evain, stated that traveling fans are facing "little to no information" about what will be allowed or not allowed in stadiums or what to expect from police elsewhere in the country. He also expressed concern over the complete lack of a security doctrine for the World Cup, with no clear plan in place for safety and security measures.
Evain warned that there is "no clarity as to what will be allowed inside stadiums, who will be deployed inside, which police forces will be working where." This lack of transparency has raised concerns among fans about their safety and well-being during the tournament.
FIFA has assured fans that it is working closely with local authorities and US federal agencies to ensure a safe and secure environment for all participants. However, many fans remain skeptical due to the ongoing immigration crackdown in the US under President Trump's administration.
The situation highlights the complexities and challenges associated with hosting a major international sporting event like the World Cup, particularly when it comes to issues of security, safety, and immigration.
FIFA is just too quick to brush off these concerns about ICE raids and militarized police forces. What if this is all a setup to distract us from the real issue? I mean, think about it - they're only now addressing these concerns after the fan group spoke out. It's like they wanted to sweep this under the rug till everyone got caught up in the excitement of the World Cup 
. And what's with the lack of transparency? That just screams "cover-up" to me... 
... I mean, they're worried about being targeted or detained while just trying to watch the game? 
That's not cool at all 
. And what if they don't know the rules? Like, are there gonna be checkpoints everywhere? 
It's already hard enough traveling and dealing with all that bureaucracy... now you gotta worry about getting stopped for being undocumented? 
This just doesn't feel right 
.
. And what really gets me is the lack of transparency from FIFA and the authorities. I mean, wouldn't it be better to know what to expect at a major event like this? It's just common sense, you know? 
As someone who's been around for a while, I've seen my fair share of changes, but this one takes the cake 
. Let's hope everything works out and fans can enjoy the tournament without worrying about being targeted or detained 
.
. And let's be real, a fan group freaking out because of ICE raids at stadiums isn't entirely unreasonable either... if you ask me 
. The US government needs to step up their game and give fans some actual info about what they can expect 
. This whole lack of transparency is just gonna add to the stress and anxiety for fans, which is not exactly what we need during a major international event 
. And what about the lack of info from FIFA and local authorities? It's all mum's the word 
. This just smells like another excuse to crack down on undocumented immigrants 
. I need some credible sources to back up these claims before I start worrying 
.
FIFA saying they're working with authorities is good, but some fans are still skeptical... 
fans coming to watch soccer shouldn't have to worry about being caught by ICE or arrested just because they're from somewhere else 
. I mean, you'd think that with all the planning and preparation that goes into hosting a massive event like the World Cup, they'd have some idea of what to expect 
.
.
. It's not just about the fans themselves, but also the potential impact on the community and the economy in the areas where the games will be held 
.
. Can't we get some clarity on what to expect before the tournament kicks off? 
The lack of info is like, what if you're at the game and suddenly your family gets raided? 
This is getting out of hand, FIFA needs to get its act together and provide some clarity on security measures ASAP 
️"
Just wondering how all this is gonna affect fans who are just trying to watch some soccer... 
. I'm all for safety measures, but shouldn't we know what's going on beforehand? 
fse is right to be worried, we need some answers ASAP!