World Cup 2026 on Edge: U.S. Immigration Rules Spark Fan Fears
11 February 2026
Hearing and Visa Policy
During a House Homeland Security Committee hearing, the acting director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outlined the agency’s central role in security as the United States prepares to host the 2026 World Cup.
The hearing coincided with a controversial policy move: the U.S. decision to suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including 13 Arab states, raising concerns that qualified teams and their fans could be deprived of attendance.
The State Department announced that visa processing for those countries would be paused, a step that could complicate travel for players, staff, and supporters heading to the tournament.
Security Framework for World Cup 2026
ICE’s acting director, Todd Lyons, said the agency would be an essential part of the World Cup security framework, working with other agencies to safeguard fans and participants.
Lyons’ remarks followed a query from Democratic Rep. Nily Bo of New Jersey, who pressed how security agencies would coordinate with event organizers.
Lyons clarified that the Homeland Security Investigations arm (HSI) is a core component of the security plan and that its work remains integral to the overall effort.
Officials stressed that ICE remains fully committed to safety for players, spectators, and officials, and that there were no plans to suspend or scale back agency activities during the tournament.
The 2026 edition will run across three countries—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—kicking off on June 11, and it is typical for security to be ramped up well in advance.
HSI is part of ICE, which in turn operates under the Department of Homeland Security, with a mission to combat terrorism, interdict drugs, and fight human trafficking, among other security concerns.
Bottom line: the clock is ticking for fans and travelers alike, and the only thing more unpredictable than a penalty shootout could be visa processing times. If crowds get tangled in lines, the ball might end up being the only thing that doesn’t miss the offside.
