Security concerns, travel rules and sluggish ticket sales are already clouding the 2026 FIFA World Cup more than a year before kick‑off. Now the US government has confirmed that federal immigration and customs agents will have a visible presence throughout the tournament, adding a fresh layer of scrutiny for international fans planning trips to the United States.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced this week that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) would work alongside Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during the World Cup. The move comes as resale ticket prices continue to fall and some host cities report hotel bookings below expectations.