the staff of the Ridgewood blog
East Rutherford NJ, as the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kicks off on June 14 across 11 U.S. cities—including MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ—a sweeping immigration crackdown is creating unease for international tourists and soccer fans alike https://www.nyttcasino.com/no/. The political climate surrounding immigration enforcement is stoking global concerns and casting a long shadow over the event and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, which the U.S. will co-host with Mexico and Canada.
Detentions, Travel Bans, and Fear at the Border
Tourists have reported being detained for days or weeks at U.S. borders. A travel ban affecting 12 countries took effect on June 9, with partial bans for seven others. Though athletes and essential staff are exempt, ordinary fans from countries like Iran, Haiti, and Sudan may be barred from entry—even though their national teams are competing or vying for World Cup qualification.
Plainclothes ICE agents reportedly conducting raids at courthouses, streets, and workplaces have deepened fears. Protesters continue to take to the streets, often met by military presence.
Soccer Influencers and Fans Urge Caution
Travel blogger Danny Navarro, known online as TravelFutbolFan, told his 2.2 million TikTok followers:
“Do not come here if you have anything they could pin on you… Instead, take your money to Mexico or Canada. Don’t come here—for your safety.”
Navarro’s warning reflects a broader sentiment among fans and influencers who say the U.S. climate is no longer welcoming for global travelers.
ICE, CBP Presence Sparks Alarm
Recent revelations that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will provide security at Club World Cup matches have ignited concerns. Though both agencies have quietly worked previous major events like the Super Bowl, this time their role is under intense scrutiny.
Gerald Foston, president of the U.S. soccer fan group Sammers SC, shared his hesitation:
“If people think they’re going to get scooped up, they won’t go. I wouldn’t. I’m African American and have been mistaken for Dominican. Do I have to walk around with my passport?”
Visa Processing Delays and Travel Uncertainty
Hamza Al Mohammadi, a travel consultant for the World Cup Travelers Agency, noted that visa wait times in some countries now stretch to 18 months. Sudden freezes on appointments are eroding trust and making it nearly impossible for many fans to plan.
“This unpredictability makes it hard for both businesses and travelers to plan with confidence,” Al Mohammadi said.
Countries like Germany, Canada, Denmark, and the U.K. have issued travel advisories about the U.S. due to the detentions and new policy that requires identifying by gender assigned at birth.
Soccer Fans and Immigrant Communities on Edge
Latino and immigrant communities, who make up a significant portion of the U.S. soccer fanbase, are especially affected. Fear of racial profiling and deportation has led groups like La Brigada De Oro, fans of Nashville SC, to stay home from matches.
“We know for a fact that we are being targeted,” said co-founder Abel Acosta, a New Jersey native. “My wife, who has a green card, carries her passport to work. That’s mind-boggling.”
Human Rights Groups Call for Accountability
Organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have formally contacted FIFA, citing U.S. immigration policies that conflict with the tournament’s global, inclusive ethos.
“Immediate action is needed to address policies that directly contradict FIFA’s stated values,” Human Rights Watch warned.
Trump Administration Pledges ‘Seamless’ World Cup Experience
Despite the backlash, President Donald Trump promised a “seamless” experience for 2026 World Cup travelers, pledging that all government agencies would support the effort. Visa processing improvements, including AI-powered systems and double-shift staffing at consulates, are reportedly in the works.
Still, Vice President JD Vance drew fire for stating that fans overstaying their visas would be pursued:
“They’ll have to go home. Otherwise, they’ll have to talk to Secretary Noem.”
Low Ticket Sales, High Tensions
Ticket sales for the 2025 Club World Cup have lagged, with FIFA slashing prices just days before kickoff. The factors? High travel costs, lack of fan engagement—and most notably, immigration fears.
CBP’s recent social media post that it would be “suited and booted” for the tournament drew criticism from fans concerned about racial profiling and deportation.
A Cautionary Prelude to 2026
With over five million fans expected at the 2026 World Cup, immigration experts like Al Mohammadi emphasize the stakes:
“In many countries, soccer is not just a sport—it’s a religion. The U.S. has an economic opportunity, but right now, trust is fragile.”
The 2025 Club World Cup has become more than just a sporting event—it’s a litmus test for how the U.S. will handle the world’s largest international sporting spectacle next year.
This place will be ripe pickings for ICE