U.S. Public Opposes ICE Presence at FIFA 2026 Stadiums

A poll conducted by The Washington Post and the University of Maryland between May 14‑18, 2026 surveyed 1,030 American adults about the role of immigration officials at the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Overall, 65% of respondents said they do not want Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in stadiums, while 35% are in favor.

Opposition is strongest among Democrats (92%) and independents (74%). Republicans are the exception, with 72% supporting ICE presence. Among soccer fans, 68% oppose the deployment, a share that mirrors the overall public sentiment. Racial and ethnic breakdowns show roughly eight‑in‑ten Black and Hispanic respondents reject ICE at venues, while 58% of white respondents also oppose it.

ICE was involved in security at the 2025 Club World Cup held in the United States, prompting criticism that its presence could deter attendance. The debate has intensified under the Trump administration’s stricter immigration policies, including proposals to halt customs processing at airports in sanctuary cities such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. A separate poll question found that 75% of Americans think the Iranian national team should be allowed to compete in the tournament.