WITH THE BAY AREA SET to host its first FIFA World Cup 2026 match on Saturday, local officials signed off on a joint statement supporting the belonging of diverse identities in the Bay Area.
Backed by 27 supervisors from counties around the Bay Area and 10 local nonprofit leaders, the statement welcomed “people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, languages and traditions” to the region for the World Cup while also supporting the struggles of local immigrant communities.
The message comes in response to international concerns about the safety of World Cup fans in the United States amid President Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigration.
For months, soccer fans around the world have voiced worries about traveling to the U.S. for the event, citing visa delays and heightened U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity.
These international concerns have heightened in recent days, with federal agencies denying the entry of many fans to the country as well as a Somali referee and the Iraqi team’s photographer.
The broad coalition showed support from both local Bay Area governments and community organizations focused on immigrant rights, legal services, education and community advocacy.
… we hope these matches become a moment of connection, pride, and shared humanity — a reminder that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Joint statement from Bay Area officials and nonprofit leaders
It also reflects the larger effort between Bay Area’s counties leading up to the World Cup, with leadership coming together to tackle issues of transportation, economy and law enforcement.
The officials in the statement also recognized the hardships of local immigrant communities, validating the uncertainty created by national immigration policies.
“As elected officials and community leaders, we also recognize that these are uncertain times for many residents, including local immigrant families and visitors,” the signatories wrote in the joint statement. “We see that concern, and we recognize that many people do not feel safe right now.”
Back in February, rumors swirled about Trump ordering ICE surges in the Bay Area during the Super Bowl and the World Cup. However, though California national guard soldiers will be deployed as part of routine special event security, Trump’s officials have claimed federal agents will not be involved with immigration enforcement during the World Cup.
The Bay Area is set to host six World Cup matches over the next three weeks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. With the first game taking place there Saturday, the officials ended their statement by emphasizing the World Cup as an opportunity for Bay Area communities to come together as a cosmopolitan community.
“As we celebrate our teams on the pitch and our communities in the stands, at viewing parties, and in backyards and living rooms, we hope these matches become a moment of connection, pride, and shared humanity — a reminder that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths.”