World Cup 2026 faces boycott threat as fans fear U.S. immigration crackdowns

Calls for a boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are growing louder as international football fans and activists raise concerns over possible detention and aggressive immigration enforcement in the United States, one of the tournament’s host nations.

The competition, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has come under renewed scrutiny following recent political and security developments linked to Washington. Critics say recent rhetoric and actions by U.S. President Donald Trump have heightened anxiety among foreign visitors, particularly over the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Tensions escalated after Trump warned of potential military action against drug cartels operating in Mexico, a fellow World Cup host, sparking fears about regional instability. These concerns were compounded by a U.S. military operation in early January that led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife on drug trafficking allegations—claims Maduro has strongly denied.

Public outrage has also been fueled by the killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis, reportedly involving an ICE officer, further amplifying fears of heavy-handed immigration enforcement.

Several prominent voices have announced plans to boycott the tournament. Mohamad Safa, executive director of the NGO Patriotic Vision, said he cancelled his World Cup tickets out of fear of arbitrary detention.

“I cancelled my World Cup tickets. ICE could decide I’m a gang member and lock me up for a year with no charges, no hearing, no trial,” Safa said.

Others, including political activists, former prosecutors, and international commentators, echoed similar concerns, warning that the United States may be unsafe for visiting fans. Some have called on the global community to distance itself from the tournament as a form of protest.

Despite the backlash, FIFA has shown no sign of reconsidering the hosting arrangement. The football governing body recently announced a proposed “FIFA PASS” visa programme, supported by Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, aimed at easing travel for ticket holders while maintaining strict immigration controls.

As the countdown to 2026 continues, critics insist that without firm guarantees on safety and civil rights, the World Cup risks being overshadowed by political controversy rather than celebrated as a global sporting event.