US public opposes ICE at 2026 World Cup stadiums

A Washington Post‑University of Maryland poll of 1,030 adults conducted May 14‑18, 2026 found that 65% of respondents oppose the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents inside stadiums during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while 35% support it. Opposition is strongest among Democrats (92%) and independents (74%), and crosses party lines among soccer fans, with 68% of self‑identified fans also against ICE deployment. Demographically, nearly eight in ten Black and Hispanic Americans reject ICE at matches, and a majority of white respondents (58%) share the view.

The controversy follows ICE’s involvement in the 2025 Club World Cup held in the United States, where agents reminded non‑citizens to carry proof of status, drawing criticism from immigrant advocates and local officials. The poll also notes that the Trump administration is considering tightening immigration measures, such as suspending customs processing at airports in sanctuary cities, which could affect major host cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. Despite opposition to ICE, 75% of Americans support allowing the Iranian national team to play matches on U.S. soil, a view that spans party lines.

These findings highlight public concern that heavy ICE presence could deter millions of international visitors expected for the tournament, which will be co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.