The Trump administration has sparked international concern by refusing to rule out the possibility of immigration enforcement raids targeting foreign fans during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. The controversy erupted during a press conference held just two days before the crucial tournament draw.
Giuliani's Non-Commitment on Immigration Enforcement
Andrew Giuliani, the Executive Director for the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026, faced intense questioning from reporters on Wednesday. When directly asked by a Sky News Australia journalist if the administration would rule out ICE raids at matches, Giuliani offered a starkly non-committal response.
"The one thing – and I’ve known the President for 25 years – the President does not rule out anything that will help make American citizens safer," Giuliani stated. This leaves the door open to the possibility that visitors attending games could be subject to immigration enforcement actions, a prospect that has alarmed human rights groups and football governing bodies.
Safety Concerns for Teams and Fans
The press conference, intended to highlight the US's readiness for the global event, quickly became dominated by questions over visitor safety and entry policies. Reporters from multiple nations raised specific concerns.
A journalist from the Netherlands' NOS pointedly asked about visitors from Haiti, referencing President Trump's past derogatory comments about the country and his recent executive order ending protected migrant status for Haitians. "Are people welcome regardless of their race, what they believe, the color of their skin... or should they be fearing that they might not get in or might get deported once they get into the United States?" the reporter questioned.
Giuliani acknowledged the policy change but asserted that Haitian teams and visitors "will be able to come in." He immediately qualified this, however, by stating that "every visa decision is also a national security decision."
Recent Precedent and the FIFA Peace Prize Irony
Adding weight to the reporters' fears, a journalist from Turkey cited a recent case where an asylum seeker was arrested and deported after taking his children to the Club World Cup Final in New Jersey in June. She asked for assurances that fans would not face similar detention or deportation during the World Cup.
Giuliani's response emphasised a "legal pathway" for entry. "Please come to the United States of America; come in here legally... If you are a potential threat, you’re not going to get approved. If you’re not, if you’re coming here to enjoy, spend disposable income, enjoy the United States of America, you’re welcome," he said.
The press conference occurred on the eve of the World Cup draw event on Friday, December 5, 2025, where the initial match schedule will be set. In a twist of timing, FIFA is also set to announce the recipient of its new "FIFA Peace Prize" on the same day, an award meant to honour those uniting people globally. According to CNN, a prediction market suggested 91% of bettors believe President Donald Trump will win this inaugural peace award.
The administration's ambiguous stance on immigration enforcement at one of the world's largest sporting events sets a tense backdrop for the tournament's final preparations, potentially deterring fans and overshadowing the competition itself.
