Consider This from NPR

Episode: The DHS Shutdown and U.S. Immigration Policies Could Hinder the World Cup

Date: April 19, 2026
Host: Rob Schmitz
Featured Guest: Juliette Kayem, former DHS official and mega-event security advisor

Episode Overview

This episode explores the unprecedented challenges facing the United States as it prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and increasingly restrictive immigration policies. Host Rob Schmitz, with expert insights from Juliette Kayem, delves into how these political and administrative headwinds threaten both the logistical success and the spirit of the World Cup, raising pressing questions about security, international participation, and America’s welcome to the world.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The World's Eyes on North America

• World Cup Opening: The tournament kicks off June 11, with the U.S. opening against Paraguay in Los Angeles and traveling to Seattle for a match against Australia.
  [00:19–00:26]
• The event is a joint effort across more than a dozen North American cities, with unique challenges for each host city.

2. Immigration Bans and Travel Restrictions

• Participation Uncertainty: With a more than two-month Department of Homeland Security shutdown, doubts loom over whether all qualified World Cup players and fans will gain U.S. entry.
  • Example: Haiti & Iran: Haiti, qualifying for the first time in 50 years, faces a ban; Iran’s status is complicated by ongoing conflict and U.S. policy. [00:45–01:12]
  • $15,000 Bond: Some nationalities may face steep financial barriers to visit the U.S.

Notable Quote

"There's still an open question as to whether or not all the FIFA World cup players will be able to participate in U.S. matches."
— Commentator/Analyst, [00:37]

• Fan Impact: Top FIFA officials worry that U.S. ICE operations might “harmfully impact the World Cup fan experience.” [01:12–01:22]
• Political Backdrop: U.S. host cities are on high alert as restrictive policies under the Trump administration contrast with the original “unifying” vision of the tri-nation bid.

3. Mega-Event Security & City Readiness

• City Responsibilities: Most logistics and security fall to local municipalities, with federal involvement in intelligence and technical support (drones, emergency response, etc.). DHS’s shutdown creates critical gaps in federal backing. [02:54–03:45]

Notable Quote

"Each of these events is going to be taking part in one of 11 host U.S. cities... and each of those is governed by whatever the city has in place."
— Juliette Kayem, [02:54]

• Types of Risks:

  • Traditional: Terror, weather, drones, cyberattacks, crowd control.
  • “Signs of our times”: International hostility, volatile geopolitical context. [03:52–04:26]

• Kansas City as a Model: Highlighted for its “enthusiasm” and robust investment in security, hailed by FIFA as a potential "sleeper city."
  [04:32–04:48]

4. FIFA’s Position & “Unfulfilled Vision”

• Public Stance: FIFA remains publicly optimistic but privately concerned, especially about unmet expectations for North American unity and cross-border collaboration.
  • The Canadian and Mexican pieces of the tri-nation tournament face their own challenges, including cartel violence in Mexico. [04:51–06:20]

Notable Quote

“It was a vision of North America that we can’t even put your head around now... Well, that’s not happening.”
— Juliette Kayem, [05:24]

5. The Fan Experience: Hostility and Fear

• Travel Anxiety: Many international fans, especially from Central America, fear hostile treatment, risk of deportation, or the general “unwelcome mat” of U.S. policy. This is influencing travel decisions and diminishing attendance. [06:39–07:31]
• FIFA Pass Uncertainty: Even with special visa programs, restrictions and prohibitions remain, with no exceptions for most fans or families of players. [07:47–08:36]

Notable Quote

“There is no exception for a fan. There’s even often no exception for family member. The coaches and athletes are excepted from those bans. Those prohibitions are inconsistent with the spirit... of what it meant to want to be the host country.”
— Juliette Kayem, [07:47]

• Certain Teams, No Fans: Teams like Haiti and Iran may compete, but their fans will remain barred. [08:28–08:36]

6. Is This Still a Moment for Soccer in America?

• Despite all challenges, Kayem expresses hope—citing the sport’s “unifying” effect and optimism that practical issues will be resolved, even if America’s “welcome mat to the world” won’t be rolled out by June. [09:04–09:39]

Notable Quote

“There is something about the event and the global nature of the event... that actually unifies. I’m cautiously optimistic that a lot of these issues will get resolved. But we will always have the background noise: the U.S. has not thrown out a welcome mat to the world.”
— Juliette Kayem, [09:04]

7. Broader Consequences of the DHS Shutdown

• Staffing Exodus & Preparedness: Prolonged shutdowns deter DHS professionals, eroding preparedness not only for mega-events like the World Cup but for hurricanes and international threats. [09:56–10:47]

Notable Quote

“[The] professional apparatus is dissipating because of these debates. And the hard thing about measuring it is we won’t miss it until we need it.”
— Juliette Kayem, [10:09]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “We told FIFA we wanted to host these events, and that comes with an obligation that our politics or our immigration rules will not hinder those fans.”
  — Juliette Kayem, [08:04]

• “Why would you work at a place in which you don’t get paid on a regular basis? We’re going to feel it in terms of the preparation and the planning...”
  — Juliette Kayem, [09:56]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening Sound & Setup: [00:00–01:22]
• DHS/Immigration Issues: [01:22–02:54]
• Juliette Kayem Interview: [02:54–10:54]
  • City preparation: [02:54–03:45]
  • Security risks: [03:52–04:26]
  • Kansas City spotlight: [04:32–04:48]
  • FIFA's vision vs. reality: [04:51–06:20]
  • Fan travel fears: [06:39–07:31]
  • Immigration restrictions for fans: [07:47–08:36]
  • Soccer’s “unifying” potential: [09:04–09:39]
  • Long-term impact of DHS shutdown: [09:56–10:47]

Conclusion

This episode highlights the collision of geopolitics, domestic policy, and global sport as the U.S. gears up to take center stage for the World Cup. While there is keen optimism about the tournament’s potential to unify, deep concerns remain about immigration barriers, security readiness, and America’s global reputation in the era of shutdowns and hardline immigration rules. The insights from Juliette Kayem offer both a grounded assessment of logistical challenges and a cautious hope for what soccer might achieve this summer.