Amid growing tensions over U.S. immigration policies, the International Federation of Amateur Football (FIFA) has publicly downplayed the impact that these could have on the Club World Cup starting this Saturday and the 2026 World Cup.
The president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, assured that the tournaments "will be a celebration" and that fans "from all over the world" will attend without any major inconveniences.
“Every country has its own policies, but we are here for unity. Fans from all over the world will come to the United States, as well as to Mexico and Canada”, stated Infantino during an event in Miami ahead of the start of the revamped Club World Cup.
"As always, before the World Cup, many topics are discussed, but once it starts, it will be a celebration," he added, in statements quoted by the agency EFE.
Fears among Latino communities
However, the reality on the ground presents a more complex picture.
The Latino community in the United States is living in uncertainty due to the intensified raids and immigration operations following Donald Trump's return to the White House. “I believe that the immigration crackdown by the Trump Administration will make it very difficult for people to feel safe when attending these events,” warned Cristóbal Ramón, chief immigration advisor at Unidos US, in statements cited by EFE.
The organization has reported that nearly half of Latino voters believe that current immigration policies “put them, their family members, and/or friends at risk,” even if they have citizenship or legal status in the country.
The fear has led some fan groups, such as one from the Flamengo club in Massachusetts, to cancel public events.
“We decided not to hold the match because we thought it could ruin the lives of many people,” explained Manny Mizael, one of its organizers.
Low ticket sales and a climate of fear
This climate of insecurity also seems to be affecting ticket sales for the tournament.
According to data from platforms like Ticketmaster, key matches such as Real Madrid's debut in Miami on June 18 still have thousands of tickets unsold, some priced below 50 dollars.
In Los Angeles, over 2,500 tickets are available for the match between Atlético de Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
FIFA has denied that ticket sales are low, stating that there are buyers from more than 130 countries, but it refrained from providing detailed figures.
An official from the organization itself admitted that concerns about visas could be impacting demand.
"Trump's government policies could impact next year's World Cup. Ticket sales for the Club World Cup, which will take place this year, have already dropped," reported The New York Times.
Will the fans be safe?
Doubts also revolve around possible operations by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the stadiums or surrounding areas.
“I have no concerns,” Infantino replied when asked whether ICE might extend its raids to these spaces during the tournaments.
However, according to Unidos US, arrests have already occurred in places such as schools, courthouses, and workplaces, so the possibility of similar actions in sports venues is not ruled out by activists.
Selective migration exceptions
The most recent immigration decree signed by Trump prohibits entry to citizens of 12 countries, including Iran, Libya, and Somalia, although it establishes specific exceptions for "athletes, coaches, and members of sports teams traveling to major events such as the Olympic Games or the World Cup."
However, it does not include fans, many of whom face long waits to obtain visas or fear reprisals due to their immigration status.
A special visa exemption program for those who purchase tickets has not yet been established, as was the case in previous editions held in Russia or Qatar.
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