2026 FIFA World Cup security dossier reveals threats to Messi and Ronaldo
A leaked police dossier has revealed significant security threats and assassination attempts during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Reports coordinated by the FBI and the International Police Cooperation Center (IPCC) highlight intense harassment directed at high-profile players, officials, and spectators.
Lionel Messi was identified as the player receiving the most security warnings. Specific threats included a man calling a Dallas airport claiming he would attack the stadium with homemade bombs and an AR-15 rifle during the Argentina-Jordan match. In Atlanta, an individual posted on social media threatening to enter the stadium with four bombs attached to their body to target Messi during the match against Egypt.
Cristiano Ronaldo also faced security incidents, including an individual seeking his accommodation details and another man infiltrating the Portuguese national team's hotel in Houston by posing as a fan.
Officials were not immune to hostility. Referee François Letexier received over 6,000 threatening messages on WhatsApp following the Argentina-Egypt match. The tournament also saw security breaches at the England media center, leading to the implementation of advanced defensive measures such as anti-sniper screens and no-fly zones.
Entities: Cristiano Ronaldo · FBI · FIFA · François Letexier · International Police Cooperation Centre · Lionel Messi
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Lionel Messi received the most security warnings throughout the tournament. (Lionel Messi was the most targeted player regarding security warnings.)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Referee François Letexier received over 6,000 threatening messages on WhatsApp following the Argentina-Egypt match. (Referee François Letexier received threats after a match.)
- [● 4 SOURCES] A suspicious individual attempted to access Cristiano Ronaldo's hotel in Houston by posing as a fan. (An individual targeted Cristiano Ronaldo's hotel.)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Before the Argentina vs. Jordan match, a man called Dallas Airport threatening to attack the stadium with homemade bombs and an AR-15 rifle. (A threat was made against the Dallas airport/stadium.)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Prior to the match against Egypt in Atlanta, an individual posted on X threatening to enter the stadium with four bombs attached to their body to target Lionel Messi. (A threat was made against Lionel Messi in Atlanta.)
- [● 4 SOURCES] A leaked police dossier revealed significant security threats and assassination attempts during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (A leaked police dossier revealed security threats during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.)