Vance's warning to soccer fans travelling to US for 2026 World Cup
Vice President JD Vance has warned soccer fans that they must not overstay their welcome at the 2026 World Cup - or risk a visit from the 'ICE Barbie'. The United States will co-host next summer's soccer showpiece alongside neighbors Canada and Mexico.
More than 5 million fans from around the globe are expected to travel to the tournament and Donald Trump has promised a 'seamless experience' for visitors to the USA.
During a White House event on Tuesday, Vance echoed that message, insisting 'everyone is welcome'. But the vice president also sent a clear message to anyone thinking of trying to remain in the country beyond the end of the tournament.
'Of course everyone is welcome to come and see this wonderful event,' Vance said. 'We want them to come, we want them to celebrate, we want them to watch the games. But when the time is up we want them to go home, otherwise they will have to talk to Secretary Noem.'
Kristi Noem is Trump's Homeland Security Secretary who has been christened 'ICE Barbie' and 'American Badass.' In recent months, Noem has joined ICE agents on their raids to oust immigrants as part of Trump's mass deportation plan.
'Dirtbags like this will continue to be removed from our streets,' Noem said during one viral raid in New York City. Vance's comments were supported by transportation secretary Sean Duffy, who warned visitors not to 'overstay your visas'.
Also on Tuesday, Andrew Giuliani was named as the head of Trump 's taskforce on the 2026 World Cup. Giuliani, the son of former New York Mayor and longtime Trump ally Rudy, served as the Special Assistant to the President and Associate Director of the Office of Public Liaison during Trump's first term.
That role included the arranging of sports teams' visits to the White House but now he will be in charge of orchestrating the world's biggest soccer stars on American soil next summer.
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