Miami can breathe easy this summer. The Trump administration has officially confirmed that ICE agents will not be present at FIFA World Cup games hosted in the city, according to Rodney Barreto, co-chair of Miami's hosting committee.
Barreto revealed that he received this assurance directly from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, putting an end to growing concerns that federal immigration enforcement could overshadow the world's biggest soccer tournament. "A lot of people are talking, 'Well, ICE will be at the stadium,'" Barreto told The Athletic. "I talked to Marco Rubio. ICE is not going to be at the stadium."
This news comes as a major relief for fans and organizers alike, especially in a city known for its vibrant international community. Barreto was quick to clarify the tournament's focus: "This is not going to turn into some 'round them up' type of thing. That's not the purpose of this. It'll be a great experience for everybody."
The United States is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, and the federal government has already approved a hefty $625 million grant to bolster security across the 11 American host cities. Miami's Hard Rock Stadium—home to the NFL's Miami Dolphins—is set to be a major hub, hosting seven matches in total, including four group-stage games, a quarterfinal, and the third-place playoff. Fans can already look forward to seeing powerhouse teams like Brazil, Portugal, Colombia, and even Saudi Arabia take the field in South Florida.
Barreto also credited President Donald Trump's passion for sports as a key factor in smoothing over logistical hurdles. "I think that we're lucky that we do have a president who loves sports and has given us the resources to reimburse the cities for their police protection," he said, noting that Trump has been "very vocal with his thoughts" on the tournament in a positive way.
Beyond the ICE assurance, the administration has also pledged to streamline visa approvals for arriving players and dignitaries—including four of the 48 qualifying nations currently subject to U.S. travel bans. Among those is Iran, whose participation has sparked debate given ongoing geopolitical tensions. "I spoke to Marco and, first of all, he's going to make sure that the passports get processed and people can get here," Barreto explained. "It's going to be a major undertaking by the feds."
With security concerns addressed and visa processes smoothed out, Miami is shaping up to be one of the most welcoming—and exciting—host cities for this summer's global celebration of soccer.