As questions continue around whether U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could be active during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, fans are being urged to understand the distinction between immigration enforcement and event security.
Recent guidance suggests that, while ICE operates separately from matchday safety teams, supporters should still know their rights and what to do if approached.
But how unusual would ICE involvement actually be at a major sporting event? FootballGroundGuide takes a look at their presence at recent tournaments in the United States.
Super Bowl 2026 saw federal presence but no immigration enforcement
Ahead of Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium, which is one of the host venues for the 2026 World Cup, concerns were raised about possible ICE activity.
However, officials quickly confirmed there were no planned immigration enforcement operations at or around the stadium.
That said, federal agencies, including those under the Department of Homeland Security, still had a visible presence for security purposes, working alongside local law enforcement to manage crowd safety and potential threats.
Meanwhile, at previous Super Bowls, ICE has typically been involved, but typically in a supporting security measure rather than for immigration purposes, given the scale of the event.
This reflects a key point that federal agents may be present at major events, but not necessarily carrying out immigration enforcement.
2025 Club World Cup and 2016 Copa America were held in the United States
During the Copa America Centenario, which was held across the United States in 2026, there was no widespread reporting of ICE targeting supporters at matches, despite large international crowds.
Similarly, FIFA competitions staged in the country, including the recent 2025 Club World Cup in December, have relied on local law enforcement and event security teams, with federal agencies operating in the background if required.
These tournaments demonstrate that even at major international football events on U.S. soil, fan-facing immigration enforcement has not been a central feature.
Why ICE were at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy
ICE-linked personnel have also been deployed at global sporting events such as the Winter Olympics, albeit in a very different capacity.
At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, agents were reported to be present, but not for immigration raids or enforcement. Instead, they were working in cooperation with international authorities on security and transnational crime prevention.
This again highlights how involvement at major events is typically low-profile and intelligence-led, rather than visible enforcement targeting spectators.
FGG Verdict: What does this mean for the 2026 World Cup?
So far, there is no confirmed plan for ICE raids at World Cup stadiums, although the issue remains politically sensitive.
Recent proposals in the U.S. even aim to ban immigration enforcement near match venues entirely, underlining the concern among officials and fans.
Based on previous events, the most likely scenario is:
- Strong federal security presence at matches and fan zones
- Little to no immigration enforcement activity at the stadiums themselves
- Any ICE operations taking place separately from the tournament environment
Travelling supporters should remember to carry valid documentation, understanding their rights and recognising that event security and immigration enforcement are not the same thing.