Los Angeles Mayor Says White House Must Reassure Fans Ahead of FIFA World Cup

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has emphasized that while the city will continue to welcome international visitors for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, reassurance must also come directly from the White House to ease global concerns over U.S. immigration enforcement. Speaking to Reuters at an event highlighting Los Angeles’ community outreach and fan engagement plans, Bass said the message that travelers are welcome cannot come from local leaders alone.

The FIFA World Cup, set for June and July, will feature eight matches in Los Angeles, making the city a major hub for international football fans. However, questions have emerged about whether fears surrounding U.S. immigration policies under President Donald Trump could discourage fans from traveling to the United States. Bass noted that while she does not expect the president to interfere with the tournament, clear and consistent messaging from the federal government is necessary to reassure visitors.

Concerns have intensified amid broader international tensions linked to the Trump administration’s policies, including tariff-focused trade strategies, travel bans affecting certain countries, and controversial foreign policy statements. Although the White House has not yet commented on Bass’s remarks, President Trump has publicly supported the World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico. He recently received FIFA’s inaugural peace prize during the World Cup draw in Washington, signaling federal-level enthusiasm for the event.

Despite political uncertainty, FIFA has reported record-breaking global ticket demand, suggesting strong international interest. Still, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter recently called for a fan boycott of the tournament, citing concerns over the U.S. political climate. His comments have added fuel to ongoing debates about safety and accessibility for international visitors.

Bass also expressed alarm over the Department of Homeland Security’s announcement that Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel would assist in protecting U.S. delegations at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy, a move that sparked controversy abroad. She described the message sent by such actions as frightening, especially following recent criticism of ICE and Border Patrol over enforcement incidents.

As Los Angeles prepares to host one of the world’s biggest sporting events, city leaders are pushing for a unified national message to ensure the FIFA World Cup remains a welcoming, global celebration rather than a casualty of political concerns.