Rabat – A leaked security document has shed light on the scale of security threats surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with several high-profile players, referees and national teams reportedly targeted by threats and attempted security breaches.
According to The Sun, citing Spanish outlet Informacion.es, Lionel Messi was at the center of several threats during Argentina’s World Cup campaign.
Before Argentina’s match against Jordan, a man reportedly contacted Dallas airport and threatened to enter the stadium with two other people carrying hand grenades and an AR-15 rifle. The caller allegedly threatened to attack police officers and players and specifically mentioned Messi as a target.
A separate threat reportedly emerged ahead of Argentina’s match against Egypt. According to the leaked document, a suspect posted on X claiming he would enter Atlanta’s stadium and detonate four bombs attached to his body in an attempt to target Messi.
Police also reportedly received another call claiming that three bombs had been placed inside garbage bins in the stadium stands. The allegation prompted a large-scale security search involving explosives experts and detection dogs.
Ronaldo also targeted
Cristiano Ronaldo was also reportedly the subject of security concerns.
The dossier stated that a FIFA employee alerted authorities after a suspicious individual allegedly sought information about the location of Ronaldo’s hotel.
In another incident, a fan reportedly entered the Portuguese star’s hotel and attempted to join him in an elevator. Police stopped the individual, who allegedly claimed that he only wanted to take a selfie with Ronaldo.
Referees and players face threats
The security concerns reportedly extended beyond the world’s biggest stars.
French referee François Letexier allegedly received more than 6,000 threatening messages on WhatsApp following his decisions during Argentina’s match against Egypt. Video assistant referee Willy Delajod also reportedly received death threats from angry Egyptian fans.
Players were also targeted after crucial mistakes during the tournament.
Norwegian forward Alexander Sørloth and his wife reportedly received death threats after he failed to pass to Erling Haaland during Norway’s quarter-final against England.
Colombian player Jaminton Campaz was also reportedly subjected to threats after missing a penalty and was unable to return home with his national team.
The incidents have revived memories of the 1994 World Cup, when Colombian defender Andrés Escobar was murdered after scoring an own goal against the United States.
Security tightened around teams
The leaked dossier also reportedly documented other security incidents during the tournament.
France star Kylian Mbappé was targeted by hostile chants and other abuse following France’s victory over Paraguay, while Paraguay fans reportedly burned an effigy bearing his name.
South Korea’s delegation was placed under increased security following its group-stage elimination, while head coach Hong Myung-bo became the subject of public anger that prompted police to examine aspects of his appointment.
England’s media center also reportedly suffered a security breach after a man entered the facility carrying a wrench and shouting.
Security was subsequently strengthened around the England camp, with multiple security rings, concrete barriers, anti-sniper screens, armed police and a no-fly zone reportedly put in place to protect the team from potential drone attacks.
The incidents, if confirmed, underline the extensive security challenges faced by authorities during the 2026 World Cup, which has been staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
