White House Leaves ICE Raids Possibility Open During 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup is set to be a landmark event, with the draw taking place this Friday at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. This tournament will feature 48 national teams, the largest number ever in World Cup history. The event will be hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico, spanning 16 cities.

Trump Administration’s Stance on Immigration

As the World Cup approaches, President Donald Trump has formed a task force to address logistical and security issues. However, his administration’s strict immigration policies have raised concerns among international fans. Recently, Trump has asserted that safety is a priority, leaving open the possibility of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids during the tournament.

• White House representative Andrew Giuliani emphasized efforts to facilitate visa processing for World Cup attendees.
• Giuliani acknowledged potential immigration actions during the event, stating, “the president has not ruled out anything that will make American citizens safer.”

Visa Policies for International Fans

Trump’s recent immigration measures have created challenges for fans from specific countries. A visa freeze was ordered for 19 nations deemed “third world,” complicating entry for supporters from Iran and Haiti, both of which qualified for the World Cup.

Essential personnel such as players and support staff, along with their families, will have a more straightforward entry process. Giuliani stated that every visa decision revolves around national security, aiming to ensure the safety of all attendees at the World Cup.

World Cup Ticket Pricing and Access

Ticket prices for the World Cup vary significantly, starting around $60 for group stage matches and reaching up to $6,750 for final tickets due to dynamic pricing. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has urged FIFA to lower ticket prices for local residents.

• FIFA has committed to reserving a percentage of tickets at fixed prices for national federation supporters.
• Each federation will receive 8% of the tickets for matches involving their team.

Growth of Soccer in the United States

Andrew Giuliani highlighted the increasing popularity of soccer in the U.S., noting that World Cup final viewership rose from hundreds of millions in the 1990s to an expected two billion for the upcoming tournament. He compared the 2026 event to the 1994 World Cup, noting its expansion from 24 to 48 teams.

This unprecedented scale marks the first time the tournament will be hosted by three countries, making it a historic occasion. The U.S. aims to leverage lessons learned from past international sports events, ensuring a secure and welcoming atmosphere for fans worldwide.