World Cup Boycott Calls
By Natalie Naidoo
Beirut –
A Lebanese diplomat and United Nations consultant has sparked a wave of international concern by cancelling his tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing fears that the United States is no longer a safe place to visit due to aggressive immigration policies and the risk of arbitrary detention.
Mohamad Safa’s bold move has fuelled growing calls for boycotts of the tournament’s US-hosted matches, as worries mount over security and human rights under the current administration.
Safa’s Decision and the Reasons Behind It
Mohamad Safa, known for his work in diplomacy and humanitarian efforts, took to social media to share his choice. He explained that the decision came from deep worries about how visitors might be treated by immigration authorities. “I cancelled my World Cup tickets.
The ICE may decide that I am a gang member, and I’ll be locked in prison for a year with no charges, no hearing, no trial… The U.S. is not safe to visit,” he stated, highlighting his fear of being caught up in sweeping enforcement actions without due process.
This personal protest stems from broader unease about policies that target immigrants and visitors, often leading to detentions that can drag on for months.
Safa, who has a large following online, used his platform to warn others, pointing to stories of people held in poor conditions while their cases crawl through the system.
His words have resonated with many, turning a private choice into a public statement that questions the safety of travelling to the US for big events like the World Cup.
Link to Recent ICE Shooting and Public Outrage
Safa’s announcement gained even more traction following a tragic incident in Minneapolis on 7 January 2026, where immigration agents fatally shot a woman named Renee Nicole Good during an operation.
Officials claimed she tried to run them over with her car, but eyewitness videos tell a different story, showing her driving slowly – no faster than 15 miles per hour – for just a short distance before agents fired three bullets into her head.
This shooting has ignited protests across the United States, with crowds demanding answers and justice. Minnesota authorities have launched a full investigation, promising to release their findings soon.
The event has amplified fears about overreach by enforcement teams, with critics arguing it shows a pattern of quick triggers and little accountability.
For international visitors like Safa, it paints a picture of a country where even routine checks could turn deadly, adding weight to his call that the US feels unsafe.
Growing Calls for World Cup Boycotts
What started as one man’s stand has snowballed into wider discussions about boycotting the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches set in the US.
The tournament, co-hosted with Canada and Mexico, will see games across 16 cities, but the focus has shifted to American venues amid these concerns.
Online chatter urges fans to skip US sites and head to safer spots in the other host countries, with some claiming thousands have already ditched their tickets.
President Donald Trump’s tough talk on immigration, including threats against Mexico over border issues, has only added to the tension.
His push for mass deportations and stricter controls has made many rethink travel plans, fearing random stops or holds at airports.
FIFA, the body’s in charge, keeps touting record ticket sales nearing two million, but stays quiet on the safety worries, leaving fans to wonder if the excitement is worth the risk.
Impact on International Fans and the Tournament
For football lovers around the world, the 2026 World Cup promised to be a massive party, with expanded teams and games spread across North America.
But these boycott calls could dampen the mood, especially for groups from regions with tense ties to the US. Diplomats, activists, and everyday fans are weighing the joy of live matches against potential hassles or dangers at borders.
Scotland, eyeing a spot in the finals for the first time in years, faces its own dilemma. If they qualify, players and supporters might have to choose between chasing glory and standing against what some see as unfair policies.
This could lead to empty seats in US stadiums, hurting the event’s vibe and FIFA’s pockets. On the flip side, it might boost crowds in Canada and Mexico, shifting the spotlight to those hosts.
Broader Concerns About US Policies and Global Events
This row ties into bigger talks about how US rules affect global gatherings.
With the Olympics also on the horizon, similar fears are bubbling up – will visitors face the same risks?
Safa’s move has inspired others to speak out, from human rights groups urging caution to travel advisors warning clients about possible delays or detentions.
At home, the shooting of Renee Good has awakened calls for reform, with protests demanding better training and oversight for agents.
It highlights ongoing issues with how immigration is handled, where quick actions can lead to tragedy without clear reasons.
As investigations continue, many hope for changes that make the country welcoming again for events meant to bring the world together.
In the end, Safa’s ticket cancellation serves as a wake-up call, reminding everyone that safety and fairness matter as much as the game itself.
As boycott whispers grow louder, the 2026 World Cup hangs in the balance, with fans worldwide watching to see if joy on the pitch can overcome worries off it.
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