Save the World Cup Act

Legislative Summary: H.R. 7986 - Save the World Cup Act

Overview

The Save the World Cup Act (H.R. 7986) is a targeted piece of legislation introduced in the 119th Congress. Its primary purpose is to restrict the use of federal funds for civil immigration enforcement in the immediate vicinity of events associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Main Purpose and Intent

The bill seeks to create "safe zones" around World Cup matches and associated public celebrations. By prohibiting federal immigration enforcement activities within a specific radius of these events, the bill intends to ensure that fans, athletes, and visitors can attend and participate in the tournament without fear of civil immigration detention or deportation.

Key Provisions

The core of the legislation is a restriction on the spending of federal funds:

• Funding Restriction: The bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) from using federal funds to conduct civil immigration enforcement activities.
• Geographic Scope: This restriction applies to any area within one mile of:
  • Any official 2026 FIFA World Cup match.
  • Any official FIFA Fan Festival.
• Exemptions (Exigent Circumstances): The restriction does not apply in "exigent circumstances," which the bill defines as situations involving:
  1. Imminent risk of death, violence, physical harm, or terrorism.
  2. Imminent risk to U.S. national security.
  3. The immediate arrest or "hot pursuit" of an individual posing an imminent risk to public safety.
  4. The imminent risk of destroying evidence material to an ongoing criminal case.

Affected Parties

• Federal Agencies: Specifically the DHS (including ICE and CBP) and the DOJ, whose operational capabilities and funding for civil immigration enforcement would be restricted in the designated zones.
• International Visitors and Residents: Non-citizens attending World Cup events would have a temporary layer of protection from civil immigration enforcement within the one-mile radius.
• Event Organizers: FIFA and local host cities would see a reduction in federal immigration enforcement presence during tournament activities.

Procedural Status

• Introduced: March 18, 2026.
• Current Status: The bill has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for review.