Security Threats Plague 2026 World Cup
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, security threats posed a significant risk to players and officials. Lionel Messi, an Argentine star, was among those most targeted, with multiple calls warning of potential attacks. Before Argentina's match against Jordan in the group stage, Dulles Airport received a call indicating that two individuals possessed homemade bombs and an AR-15 rifle, specifically targeting Messi. Similar threats were made before the Argentina vs. Egypt round-of-16 game, where one suspect posted on social media intentions to use four bombs inside Atlanta stadium. The police also arrested someone trying to enter the elevator with Cristiano Ronaldo in Toronto. Referees faced their own dangers; François L'Exier and Willie Delagode received thousands of hate messages after officiating controversial matches.
Story brief
Understand the Story at a glance
What changed
- Increased security measures implemented for high-profile players like Messi and Ronaldo
- Threats neutralized but highlighted security concerns for the tournament
Why it matters
Dangers posed by individuals with weapons or explosives
Authorities responded to threats with increased surveillance and arrests
What we know
- Security threats against football players and referees during the 2026 World Cup
- Threats were made before key matches, including those targeting specific players
Latest changes
Security Threats Plague 2026 World Cup
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, security threats posed a significant risk to players and officials. Lionel Messi, an Argentine star, was among those most targeted, with multiple calls warning of potential attacks. Before Argentina's match against Jordan in the group stage, Dulles Airport received a call indicating that two individuals possessed homemade bombs and an AR-15 rifle, specifically targeting Messi. Similar threats were made before the Argentina vs. Egypt round-of-16 game, where one suspect posted on social media intentions to use four bombs inside Atlanta stadium. The police also arrested someone trying to enter the elevator with Cristiano Ronaldo in Toronto. Referees faced their own dangers; François L'Exier and Willie Delagode received thousands of hate messages after officiating controversial matches.
Timeline
Security Threats Plague 2026 World Cup
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, security threats posed a significant risk to players and officials. Lionel Messi, an Argentine star, was among those most targeted, with multiple calls warning of potential attacks. Before Argentina's match against Jordan in the group stage, Dulles Airport received a call indicating that two individuals possessed homemade bombs and an AR-15 rifle, specifically targeting Messi. Similar threats were made before the Argentina vs. Egypt round-of-16 game, where one suspect posted on social media intentions to use four bombs inside Atlanta stadium. The police also arrested someone trying to enter the elevator with Cristiano Ronaldo in Toronto. Referees faced their own dangers; François L'Exier and Willie Delagode received thousands of hate messages after officiating controversial matches.
Open source ↗What each source added
Kommersant
kommersant.ruDuring the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the police and FBI had to neutralize several threats made against football players and referees. Argentina striker Lionel Messi received the most threats, Marca reports.
Read source ↗Al Jazeera
aljazeera.netSerious security threats during the World Cup revealed the dangers faced by the tournament's stars and referees, after they targeted the messages and plans of Messi and Ronaldo in particular.
Read source ↗Reporting behind this Story