Fact Check: Thousands cancel their FIFA tickets because of fear of ICE raids? | DW News

Key Concepts

• FIFA World Cup 2026 Ticket Cancellations: Alleged widespread cancellations following the Reie Good shooting.
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): US federal law enforcement agency, concerns regarding potential targeting of World Cup fans.
• Reie Good Shooting: Incident involving a fatal shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, fueling online anxieties.
• Stadium Security Protocol: Division of responsibility between local/state police and federal agencies (including ICE’s limited role).
• Fake News/Misinformation: Dissemination of false claims regarding ticket cancellations on social media.

Alleged Ticket Cancellations & Disinformation

Reports surfaced indicating approximately 25,000 cancellations of FIFA World Cup tickets in the United States. These claims rapidly spread on social media, particularly in connection to the shooting of Reie Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Posts referencing this connection achieved significant virality, exceeding 6 million views. However, FIFA has officially refuted these claims, stating they are “fake news” and confirming no bulk cancellations have occurred. A FIFA spokesperson, speaking to Deutsche Welle (DW), explicitly denied the reports. To date, FIFA has sold over 1 million tickets, with over 500 million individuals registering for the latest ticket phase. FIFA’s official customer support documentation also states that all ticket sales are final and non-refundable upon successful payment.

The Reie Good Shooting & Fueling Fears

The shooting of Reie Good, a case involving an ICE agent during a federal operation, served as a catalyst for the anxieties surrounding potential ICE intervention during the World Cup. The incident sparked fears among international fans that they could be targeted by ICE while visiting the US for the tournament in June. This fear is primarily circulating online, driven by social media posts linking the shooting to potential increased ICE presence and activity during the World Cup.

ICE’s Role & Security Protocols

Despite the anxieties, experts and commentators suggest that direct ICE involvement in targeting or arresting fans at matches is “extremely unlikely.” While ICE is responsible for enforcing immigration laws within the US, stadium security falls under the jurisdiction of local and state police departments. Federal agencies, including ICE, are expected to provide intelligence and coordination support, but not direct security or policing within the stadiums. As stated, ICE is “not a general protective force” or “a generalized police force.”

A commentator noted that actively engaging fans already admitted into the country with valid visas would send a negative signal from the current administration. The US is hosting 78 of the 104 World Cup matches, beginning in mid-June. For fans possessing valid tickets and legal entry documentation, experts currently foresee no significant security concerns.

Historical Context: ICE Expansion

Under a potential second term of the Trump administration, the budget and operational scope of ICE experienced substantial growth. This expansion resulted in a significant increase in the number of ICE agents operating within US communities. This historical context contributes to the current anxieties, despite assurances regarding the World Cup.

Uncertainty & Ongoing Concerns

While current assessments suggest a low probability of direct ICE intervention at matches, the exact role ICE might play during the World Cup remains uncertain. The situation is fluid, and the potential for confrontation, mirroring incidents like the Minneapolis shooting, cannot be entirely dismissed. The statement “anything is possible” acknowledges this inherent uncertainty.