FIFA President: Gianni Infantino
FIFA executives are reportedly considering asking U.S. President Donald Trump to temporarily halt Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations during the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
According to a report by The Athletic, insiders suggest that a nationwide moratorium on ICE raids throughout the 39-day tournament could be positioned as a mutually beneficial move for both the Trump administration and FIFA.
The 2026 World Cup, set to kick off in June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to attract over one million international fans.
Concerns have been raised about how ongoing immigration enforcement could affect attendance and the overall atmosphere of the global event.
Previously, acting ICE Director Todd Lyons indicated that the agency would play a significant role in ensuring security during the tournament.
However, recent immigration crackdowns under Trump’s administration have intensified scrutiny.
The Department of Homeland Security reports that nearly three million undocumented immigrants were removed or departed the U.S. within Trump’s first year back in office.
The enforcement efforts have also sparked controversy, including protests over aggressive tactics and reports of civilian casualties.
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With the tournament approaching, senior FIFA officials have discussed the possibility of President Gianni Infantino personally reaching out to Trump to request a pause in ICE activities. Initial discussions focused on limiting
enforcement near match venues in the 11 U.S. host cities, but the proposal has since expanded to suggest a nationwide suspension.
FIFA executives are said to be crafting a strategic pitch, framing the moratorium as a positive global initiative under the message “FIFA Unites the World.”
The move would aim to promote inclusivity and ease concerns among participating nations and fans.
Infantino, who has maintained a cordial relationship with Trump and has met him multiple times at the White House, is believed to be open to initiating the conversation. Notably, he presented Trump with FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize in December.
Despite these discussions, it remains unclear whether Infantino has formally approached the U.S. president or how the White House might respond.
A temporary suspension of ICE operations would mark a significant shift from one of the administration’s key policy priorities, making the proposal both politically sensitive and uncertain.
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