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World Cup 2026 World Cup Prep Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will form a “key part” of the security at this year’s men’s World Cup, its director has said. Todd Lyons, ICE’s acting director, was responding to a question from Democrat Nellie Pou before a panel in the House of Representatives. Pou is a representative of the ninth district of New Jersey, which includes East Rutherford’s Met Life Stadium. Eight tournament games will be held at the 82, 500-capacity venue, including the final and six group matches — with England against Panama. Advertisement “ICE, specifically homeland security investigations, is a key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup, ” Lyons said Tuesday. “We’re dedicated to securing that operation and to ensuring the safety of all participants and visitors. ” ICE, which is split into two sectors, commonly provides intelligence and security at international sporting events. ICE agents are in attendance at this month’s Milan Cortina Olympics in Italy, but do not have the authority to conduct enforcement operations outside the United States and will not attempt to do so, officials have said. Their presence at the Games has still led to protests in Milan. Pou told Lyons that the presence of ICE would be detrimental to the tournament. “You realize that if (fans) feel they are going to be wrongfully incarcerated, wrongfully pulled out, that is going to hurt this entire process? ” Pou asked. “I hope you realize that. ” In response, Lyons said: “ICE is dedicated to ensuring everyone who visits the facilities will have a safe and secure event. ” It was the first time Lyons was testifying at a hearing since the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by U. S. federal agents in Minneapolis last month. ICE had previously drawn intense scrutiny during the administration of President Donald Trump over increasing crackdowns in various cities, including Minneapolis. Those events, coupled with Trump’s recent threats to take over Greenland, have led to suggestions of a boycott of the FIFA-run competition. The tournament is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico but 78 of the 104 matches will be staged in the United States. Last week, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens spoke of his hope that ICE’s presence would be “unnoticeable” and “maybe nonexistent” during the tournament. Atlanta will host eight games in the tournament, including one semifinal. Advertisement Dickens added that as soon as any federal law enforcement activity became known to the city, his administration would notify the public and businesses. “We will make sure we get as much heads-up as possible, so that small businesses and large businesses — and citizens — will get ample information from us about what to expect (and) how to maintain your own dignity and rights, ” he said, adding that he wants fans to enjoy the tournament “despite somebody’s presence that I’m not inviting to come. ” The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, with 11 of the 16 host cities in the United States. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle Colin Millar is a Senior Editor for The Athletic. Prior to joining The Athletic, Colin was European Football writer at Mirror Football. From Belfast, he is the author of The Frying Pan of Spain: Sevilla vs Real Betis, Spain’s Hottest Football Rivalry, and he can be found on Twitter/X: @Millar_Colin Follow Colin on Twitter @Millar_Colin