FIFA Faces Pressure to Request Trump Halt ICE Raids During 2026 World Cup

FIFA is under increasing pressure to petition US President Donald Trump for a moratorium on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids during the upcoming 2026 World Cup. According to reports from The Athletic, FIFA President Gianni Infantino is receptive to proposals aimed at preventing immigration crackdowns that could target the tournament's international audience. With matches scheduled to begin in June across the US, Canada, and Mexico, concerns have mounted regarding the Trump administration's aggressive deportation policies and tightened immigration pathways. While the White House has praised the event's economic benefits and promised security, it has declined to discuss specific negotiations with FIFA. Previous statements by Vice President JD Vance and ICE officials suggest that immigration authorities will maintain a presence at games to enforce visa terms. This situation has drawn criticism from human rights groups like Amnesty International, who fear the tournament could become a stage for repression. The controversy adds to existing ethical questions surrounding Infantino's relationship with the Trump administration, including a recent peace prize award.