Fans, players, journalists, and visitors attending the 2026 World Cup in the US should understand their legal rights before traveling, especially in the current immigration enforcement environment.
The World Cup Is Here. So Is a Lot of Uncertainty.
The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup is one of the most anticipated sporting events in history. Games are being held across multiple US cities, and millions of fans from around the world are traveling to attend.
For many visitors, this is their first time in the United States. For others, it may be their first time returning to the US in years. Whatever your situation, the current immigration enforcement environment means that being informed before you travel is not just practical — it is genuinely important.
This is not meant to alarm you. The vast majority of World Cup visitors will have a wonderful experience. But understanding what your rights are, and what to do if something unexpected happens, is the kind of preparation that lets you focus on the games.
If You Are Stopped or Approached by Law Enforcement
Whether you are at a stadium, a fan zone, a hotel, or anywhere in public, the same basic principles apply if law enforcement approaches you.
Stay calm. You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status or citizenship with any officer, including ICE agents, police, or other government officials. You have the right to remain silent. Simply saying “I am exercising my right to remain silent” is enough.
Do not run, argue, or resist physically, even if you believe the stop is unjustified. Your legal recourse comes afterward, not in the moment.
If you are detained, you have the right to know why. You have the right to contact a lawyer. If you are not a US citizen and you are asked about your immigration status, you are not required to answer. You may say: “I would like to speak with an attorney before answering any questions.”
At the Border or Airport
If you are entering the United States from another country, special rules apply at ports of entry, including international airports. Customs and Border Protection officers have broader authority at the border than law enforcement does inside the country.
You are generally required to present your passport and any required visa or travel authorization at entry. Officers may ask questions about the purpose of your visit. You may be subject to secondary screening, which is a more detailed inspection. This does not necessarily indicate a problem with your documents.
If you are stopped for extended questioning at a port of entry, remain calm and polite. You may ask why you are being detained. If you are a visa holder or have any pending immigration matter in the US, having the contact information for an immigration attorney readily available is a smart precaution.
Your Phone and Electronic Devices
US Customs and Border Protection has the authority to search electronic devices at the border and at international airports without a warrant. This includes phones, laptops, and tablets.
If an officer asks to search your device, you may decline, but refusing can lead to the device being detained for further inspection or, in some cases, your entry being denied. If you are concerned about privacy, consider what information is stored on your devices before you travel.
Inside the US, away from ports of entry, the standards are different. Law enforcement generally needs a warrant to search your phone. You are not required to provide your password to a police officer without a court order.
Recording Law Enforcement
You have the right under the First Amendment to photograph and record law enforcement officers performing their duties in public. This applies to police, ICE agents, and other government officials.
If you choose to record, do so from a safe distance and without interfering with what officers are doing. If an officer asks you to stop recording or to hand over your phone, you may calmly state that you are exercising your First Amendment right to record. You are not required to delete footage.
Traveling With a Visa or Pending Immigration Case
If you are attending the World Cup on a tourist visa, a work visa, or any other nonimmigrant status, and you have a pending immigration case or application in the US, consult with an immigration attorney before your trip.
Current conditions mean that any interaction with immigration authorities at a port of entry carries more risk than it might have in prior years. Knowing your situation, having your documents organized, and having an attorney’s contact information available can make a significant difference if something unexpected occurs.
If Something Goes Wrong
If you or someone in your group is detained by immigration authorities at any point during your World Cup visit, the most important step is to contact an immigration attorney as quickly as possible. Time matters in detention situations. Early legal intervention produces better outcomes.
Powers Law Group is based in Houston, one of the World Cup host cities, and represents individuals and families across Texas in immigration matters including detention cases, emergency petitions, and rights violations. If you need help during your stay, contact us.
Phone: 713-589-2085 | Email: [email protected]
Sources
- ACLU, The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup: Know Your Rights, Know Your Risks, June 15, 2026. https://www.aclu.org
- ACLU, Immigrants’ Rights: Know Your Rights, 2026. https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights
- ACLU, Recording and Documenting Police and Federal Agents, 2025. https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/recording-and-documenting-police-and-federal-agents
- US Customs and Border Protection, Know Before You Go: Travelers’ Rights and Responsibilities, 2026. https://www.cbp.gov
- American Immigration Council, Your Rights at the US Border, 2025. https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org
- National Immigration Law Center, Know Your Rights: What to Do If ICE Approaches You, 2025. https://www.nilc.org
- FIFA, 2026 FIFA World Cup Host Cities and Schedule, 2026. https://www.fifa.com
- The New York Times, What International Fans Should Know Before Attending the 2026 World Cup, 2026. https://www.nytimes.com
- Powers Law Group, ICE Is Telling Her the Cyst Doesn’t Exist. Her Attorney Says It’s the Size of a Tennis Ball., April 2026. https://www.rubypowerslaw.com
- Powers Law Group, A Federal Judge Just Banned ICE Arrests at Immigration Courts in New York, May 2026. https://www.rubypowerslaw.com
