As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are preparing to secure matches in the United States, despite a majority of Americans opposing their presence, according to a new poll. The Washington Post/University of Maryland poll released Tuesday reveals that 65% of Americans are against ICE officers patrolling U.S. stadiums during the tournament. This includes a significant 92% of Democratic voters and 74% of independent voters.
However, the poll indicates that 72% of Republican voters approve of the idea. The presence of ICE officers at stadiums has become one of the most contentious issues leading up to the World Cup, which begins on June 11 across North America. The U.S. Men's National Team is scheduled to play its first match against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Security Focus
Federal officials have stated that ICE's role at the matches will center on security. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a social media post last month that the officers will be “fighting against counterfeit tickets, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and counterfeit products. They’re going to be working hand-in-hand with CBP along the way.”
Host Cities
Matches will also be held in Mexico and Canada, with the tournament's finale at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Other U.S. cities hosting matches include Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle.
