Overview
- Senior FIFA officials have discussed asking President Donald Trump for a nationwide pause on ICE immigration raids during the 39‑day tournament, with reporting saying Gianni Infantino was receptive to making a direct request.
- FIFA has already kept Iran’s fixtures in place after rejecting Tehran’s push to move its three group matches from U.S. venues to Mexico, leaving the games set for Los Angeles on June 15 and 21 and Seattle on June 26.
- Infantino has said Iran will play at the World Cup, while Iranian officials have raised safety concerns about traveling to the United States after Trump said participation would not be appropriate for the team’s “life and safety.”
- Multiple outlets report that FIFA is preparing a backup option if Iran withdraws, including an exceptional playoff involving two Asian teams and two European teams, with Italy frequently cited as a likely European candidate because of its ranking.
- ICE’s acting director has said the agency will be part of the tournament security plan, and a Los Angeles stadium workers union warned it could strike if ICE is present at World Cup sites, highlighting potential disruptions for match operations and local staff.