Trump does not rule out raids during the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup has sparked concern over possible raids, visa restrictions and security measures announced by Trump.
Posted on 04/12/2025 at 18:43
- Raids not dismissed for the 2026 World Cup
- Visas tied to national-security review
- Exemptions granted for Haiti and Iran
The administration of President Donald Trump is not ruling out carrying out raids or detaining immigrants during the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The warning came from Andrew Giulani, head of the White House task force for the sporting event.
His statements were made at a press conference in Washington, ahead of the tournament’s group-stage draw.
Possible raids for the 2026 World Cup
The government of Donald Trump is not dismissing the possibility of raids or detentions of immigrants during the 2026 World Cup, reported the head of the White House task force for the event, Andrew Giulani.
Photo. Reuters pic.twitter.com/6wWPVbfAB3
— NMás (@nmas) December 3, 2025
Giulani insisted that the president “does not rule out anything that makes this country safer,” according to EFE.
He affirmed that the administration’s priority is maintaining order throughout the event.
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He also stressed that “rioters who threaten security will not be tolerated.”
He added that the World Cup will show that “security and hospitality can go hand in hand.”
Security as the core theme of the World Cup
The Trump administration is not ruling out raids or the capture of migrants in the United States during the 2026 World Cup. #Latinus #InformaciónParaTi https://t.co/nsOjG65kRk
— Latinus (@latinus_us) December 3, 2025
The tournament will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
It arrives in a context shaped by Trump’s presidency and concerns over his immigration policies.
Giulani was asked about the possibility of denying visas to fans planning to enter the country.
He replied that “every visa decision is a national-security decision.”
The White House representative reinforced that security will be the guiding criterion for all decisions connected to the 2026 World Cup.
Visas and guaranteed appointments for ticket holders
Giulani recalled a recent announcement by Trump and FIFA.
He indicated that anyone with a ticket to a match is guaranteed an appointment with immigration authorities to process a visa.
He emphasized that this measure seeks to facilitate the flow of visitors.
He mentioned that visa wait times have decreased in 2026 World Cup participating countries such as Argentina, Ecuador and Brazil.
He explained that these processes now take less than two months.
He added that European countries and Japan have visa-exemption agreements.
He highlighted that the goal is to streamline procedures to ensure broad participation.
Exemptions for Haiti and Iran
Giulani also spoke about the two participating countries whose delegations face travel restrictions imposed by the U.S. government.
These are Haiti and Iran, nations included on a list of 19 countries with travel bans to the United States.
He stated that “part” of the delegations from both teams had secured exemptions to enter the country.
He explained that these authorizations make their participation in the 2026 World Cup possible.
Regarding Haitian and Iranian fans seeking to attend as spectators, Giulani deferred the decision to the State Department.
He said this agency is responsible for approving or denying visas.
The official stance makes clear that each case will be evaluated under strict national-security criteria.
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