World Cup fan safety guide: Immigration, security and rights

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place in the USA, Mexico and Canada this summer, and for the first time in history, 48 nations will battle it out on football’s biggest stage.

While the expanded format means more supporters than ever are expected to follow their teams across North America, ongoing security concerns in the USA and Mexico have left many fans feeling uncertain about committing to the trip.

To help travellers prepare with confidence, FootballGroundGuide brings together the essential safety information fans need before heading to any of the three host nations — from local laws and immigration rules to security advice and on‑the‑ground tips to stay safe throughout the tournament.

Mexico

Fresh concerns have been raised about fan safety in Mexico ahead of the 2026 World Cup following a recent wave of cartel‑related violence. The unrest began after a major security operation targeting a leading organised crime figure, which triggered retaliatory incidents including roadblocks, vehicle burnings and transport disruption across several states.

Importantly, much of this violence has taken place outside the official World Cup host locations. Mexico is scheduled to host 13 matches across Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara, and authorities have stressed that security planning for the tournament has been underway for years, involving coordination with international agencies and law‑enforcement bodies.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has also moved to reassure supporters, stating that the organisation has “complete confidence in Mexico… and in the authorities” to deliver a safe and successful tournament.

Government officials have echoed this, emphasising that the recent incidents do not pose a threat to World Cup preparations and that stadium and infrastructure projects remain on schedule.

While the situation highlights the scale of the security challenge facing organisers, fans should be aware that Mexico has a long history of hosting major tournaments and that current assessments from both FIFA and the Mexican government remain positive.

As always, supporters travelling to Guadalajara, Monterrey or Mexico City should stay informed, follow local guidance, and monitor official updates as the tournament approaches.

JUST IN: 🇲🇽 Mexcio's CJNG cartel says they will target anyone found on the streets and tells all residents of Guadalajara to stay home. pic.twitter.com/JZ5c6MLAzB

— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) February 22, 2026

USA

The biggest safety concern for overseas football fans in the USA is ICE, the country's Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

ICE agents are currently being tasked with trying to enforce mass deportations of undocumented immigrants in the USA, but the way they have gone about this task has been alarming, to say the least.

Things recently came to a head in Minneapolis when ICE agents murdered Alex Pretti and Renee for no good reason. Considering that both of these individuals were US citizens, it is understandable why foreign fans are concerned about their safety in the USA.

To avoid confrontation with ICE agents, we recommend that all overseas supporters make sure they have their passports and visas (if one is required) on them at all times. These agents have the power to stop anyone, but provided you can prove you are in the USA legally, you SHOULD be okay.

If you are stopped by ICE agents or any other federal agents in the USA, you should cooperate as best you can. You don't want to get on the wrong side of these people.

Canada

On the face of it, Canada is the safest of the three host nations to visit this summer. While there is still time for something to happen there, fans should be reassured that the firearms laws in Canada are far stricter than they are in the USA, and the presence of ICE is significantly smaller.

The country's law enforcement also isn't embroiled in nationwide conflict with major drug cartels, either, so if you have tickets for a match in Canada, just go and have a good time.

FGG says: A disaster for FIFA

After the controversy of Qatar 2022, FIFA would have been banking on a hassle-free tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico. It isn't turning out that way, but they are hardly blameless in the situation either.

They have empowered the Trump administration by awarding the US President with a FIFA Peace Prize in December, and the ticket prices they set last year instantly turned millions of fans away.