FIFA reportedly considering making appeal to Trump ahead of World Cup

WorldPolitics
15 Apr 2026 • 12:39 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

FIFA reportedly considering making appeal to Trump ahead of World Cup

  • FIFA executives are reportedly considering asking Donald Trump to suspend Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids nationwide during the upcoming World Cup.
  • The proposed moratorium would cover the 39-day tournament, which kicks off in June across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and is expected to attract over one million international fans.
  • The initial idea was to limit the request to the 11 American host cities, but it expanded to a nationwide pause to address broader concerns about ICE operations.
  • FIFA insiders suggest that President Gianni Infantino, who has a close relationship with Trump, might directly approach him with the request, framing it as a "positive news story" under the slogan "FIFA Unites the World."
  • The White House has not directly addressed the prospect of an ICE moratorium, with a spokesperson emphasizing Trump's focus on making the World Cup safe, secure, and economically impactful.

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