Security Concerns at the 2026 World Cup
A leaked police report has detailed significant security threats during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including alleged plots and death threats aimed at prominent players and match officials. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, saw extensive security operations by authorities.
According to reports, Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina, was a central figure in several serious threats. One incident involved a man allegedly calling Dallas Airport, threatening to storm a stadium with two accomplices. This individual reportedly claimed to be armed with homemade bombs and an AR-15 rifle, vowing to attack police officers and players from both teams, and specifically issuing a death threat against Messi.
Another alleged threat emerged before Argentina’s match against Egypt. A suspect reportedly posted on social media platform X about an intention to enter Atlanta Stadium with explosives to target Messi. The message stated, “I’m going to walk into the Atlanta stadium and blow up Messi with four bombs stuck to my body.” This post was later deleted, and authorities reportedly investigated the matter.
Threats Against Players and Officials
During the same match between Argentina and Egypt, police received a warning about three bombs allegedly hidden in rubbish bins within the stadium stands. This alert prompted a thorough search involving bomb disposal experts and sniffer dogs. Ultimately, no explosives were found, and the incident was determined to be a false alarm.
Cristiano Ronaldo was also subject to security concerns. A FIFA employee reportedly informed authorities about a suspicious individual who had repeatedly sought details regarding the Portuguese superstar’s accommodation. In a separate incident, a fan allegedly entered Ronaldo’s hotel and attempted to join him in a lift, later telling police he only wanted to take a selfie.
Match officials were not exempt from these threats. French referee François Letexier reportedly received more than 6,000 threatening messages, including WhatsApp messages, following his decisions during the controversial Argentina-Egypt match. His home and family in France were subsequently given additional protection by authorities. Video assistant referee Willy Delajod also faced death threats from supporters.
The leaked dossier indicated that players and police officers were among the potential targets of these alleged plots. The reported threats were investigated as part of a broader security operation involving US authorities and international agencies.
Beyond the high-profile stars, other players also faced threats. Norway striker Alexander Sorloth and his wife reportedly received death threats after he chose not to pass to Erling Haaland during a quarter-final match against England. Similarly, Colombia winger Jhon Jáminton Campaz reportedly faced death threats after missing a penalty, leading to security concerns that prevented him from travelling back with the national team.
The police report, reviewed by Spanish sports newspaper Marca, detailed all security threats faced by both the FBI and the IPCC during the tournament, which was ultimately won by Spain.
Widespread Security Operations
The extensive nature of the threats led to significant security measures throughout the tournament. For instance, the incident involving the alleged bomb threat at Atlanta Stadium during the Argentina-Egypt match triggered a full-scale search operation with specialized units and sniffer dogs.
In the case of Cristiano Ronaldo, a suspicious man was initially reported by FIFA for pressing for details about his whereabouts. This individual was later arrested by officers. Two days after this initial report, Houston police tracked down and arrested the same man at the hotel where the Portugal team was staying. Another person was arrested in Toronto in a similar incident after attempting to enter a lift with Ronaldo.
The police report highlighted that Messi received more death threats than any other footballer during the 2026 World Cup, underscoring the severe security challenges faced by the tournament organizers and law enforcement agencies. The investigations into these threats involved both US authorities and international agencies, working to ensure the safety of participants and attendees.
The incidents described in the leaked police dossier reveal the complex security environment surrounding major international sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, with threats ranging from individual acts to more organized alleged plots. The authorities’ response included increased security measures and arrests to mitigate potential dangers during the competition.
The report from Marca also detailed a series of unusual incidents, including the phone call to Dallas Airport where Messi was named as a specific target for murder. These revelations underscore the constant vigilance required to protect athletes and the public at such high-profile events.
The 2026 World Cup saw numerous security alerts, including the significant number of hate messages received by French referee François Letexier, which prompted authorities to provide extra protection for his family in France.
Source: goal.com
