US-hosted FIFA tournaments raise immigration fears for World Cup fans
4 Min Read
Trump’s immigration crackdown is scaring off soccer fans, lowering ticket sales and raising visa concerns ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup and 2026 World Cup.
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US President Donald Trump holds the signed charter for the 2026 FIFA World Cup task force in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP)
Tariq Panja of The New York Times wrote that rising fears over immigration enforcement in the United States are deterring soccer fans from attending key international tournaments, with undocumented supporters cancelling events and reconsidering travel plans.
The concern is already affecting ticket sales for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup and is expected to shape the broader atmosphere around the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.
According to The New York Times, immigrant-led fan groups in cities like Boston have scrapped match screenings due to fears of immigration raids. Manny Mizael, a Flamengo supporter who has lived in the US for nearly three decades, said his group canceled a February watch party over fears that it could endanger undocumented fans. “We thought it could ruin the lives of many people,” he told the outlet.
Panja argues that this atmosphere of fear represents a growing consequence of the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration, which may now be dampening enthusiasm for the world's most-watched sporting event. Fan WhatsApp groups, once abuzz with excitement about matches, are now filled with anxiety over raids and visa denials.
According to The New York Times, visa wait times for countries like Colombia already stretch beyond the start of the 2026 tournament. Meanwhile, travelers from Iran, a nation recently qualified for the World Cup, face restrictions under Trump's travel ban. Although exceptions have been made for players and staff, no such relief applies to fans.
World Cup preparations collide with Trump’s immigration policies
According to Panja, past tournaments in Russia and Qatar benefited from visa waiver programs that facilitated travel for ticket holders. No similar arrangement is currently in place for the 2026 World Cup. For many fans, particularly those with precarious immigration status, the trip may no longer be feasible.
The New York Times also reports that FIFA has struggled to secure work visas for international contractors helping organize the tournament. US authorities have asked why Americans could not be hired for these roles, a departure from the usual Olympic-style hiring model that FIFA uses.
Panja explains that staffing issues extend beyond just planning logistics. The uncertainty around visas, coupled with the perceived hostility of US immigration policy, may also be affecting the tournament’s financial performance. FIFA's Club World Cup, which kicks off next week, has seen poor ticket sales despite the presence of top teams and players.
According to The New York Times, FIFA has responded to sluggish demand by repeatedly lowering ticket prices. Even matches featuring major draws like Inter Miami and Lionel Messi have seats available. While officials cite various factors, like high initial prices and the absence of top European clubs, concerns about immigration policy loom large.
Panja notes that many supporters’ groups, including Mizael’s, have canceled travel plans to cities like Philadelphia and Orlando. The fear of an entire bus of immigrants becoming a target, he writes, has taken the joy out of what was meant to be a celebration of global football.
Still, The New York Times highlights the contrast between public concern and official optimism. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has appeared in the Oval Office with the Club World Cup trophy, and President Trump has established a dedicated World Cup task force.
In a recent task force meeting, Panja recounts, Vice President JD Vance promised a “seamless experience” for international visitors, while also warning, “When the time is up, they’ll have to go home.”
