18 July 2026
Portugal Flew to the World Cup on an ICE Deportation Plane
The Guardian reveals that FIFA arranged a flight for the Portugal national team that was previously used by US immigration authorities for deportation operations.
According to The Guardian, the Portugal World Cup squad was flown on a plane that had been used by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation flights. The 4 July flight was organised by FIFA using a GlobalX aircraft, as confirmed by Ricardo Quaresma of the Portuguese football federation.
The Guardian reports that the Portugal squad also flew with other airlines during the tournament, including American Airlines and TAP Air Portugal. FIFA has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
Activists quoted by The Guardian suggested that football federations and their sponsors could choose to withdraw from contracts with airlines that carry out deportation flights, pointing to budget carrier Avelo Airlines ending its own ICE contract earlier this year.
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