Leaked Police Dossier Details Terror Plots and Death Threats Targeting 2026 World Cup
Confidential police documents reveal multiple thwarted suicide bomb plots and targeted death threats against global icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2026 World Cup. Match officials and players also faced severe harassment, highlighting a volatile security environment throughout th
Key takeaways
- Lionel Messi was the target of multiple assassination plots including a threatened suicide bombing in Atlanta.
- A leaked police dossier confirmed that bomb disposal units were deployed to Dallas and Atlanta stadiums during the tournament.
- Match officials and players, including Alexander Sorloth, faced thousands of death threats linked to match results.
- Cristiano Ronaldo's hotel security was compromised by an unauthorized individual seeking access to the player.
Security Breach Reports Reveal Extremist Targets
A leaked police dossier obtained by Spanish publication Informacion.es and reported by The Sun has exposed a series of high-stakes security threats during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The documents outline specific terror plots, including planned suicide bombings and armed assaults aimed at the sport's most prominent figures and public venues.
Specific Threats Against Lionel Messi
Argentina captain Lionel Messi faced repeated targeting by individuals claiming to plan lethal attacks. Prior to a group-stage fixture against Jordan, a caller contacted Dallas Airport threatening to breach the stadium with two accomplices. The suspect claimed they possessed a rifle and hand grenades, intending to target police, players, and Messi specifically.
Hostilities continued during the Argentina-Egypt match. A suspect utilized the social media platform X to announce his intent to enter Atlanta Stadium with four explosive devices strapped to his body to assassinate Messi. During that same event, authorities deployed bomb disposal units and canine teams to investigate reports of three bombs allegedly hidden in stadium waste bins. No explosives were located following the search.
Ronaldo and Team Safety Compromised
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo was the focus of separate security breaches. A FIFA staff member flagged a suspicious individual seeking sensitive data regarding Ronaldo’s lodging. Furthermore, an unauthorized fan successfully infiltrated the player's hotel and attempted to enter an elevator with him, later claiming his intent was merely to secure a photograph.
Harassment of Officials and Athletes
The dossier also tracks an unprecedented volume of abuse directed at match officials and players. French referee François Letexier was inundated with over 6,000 threatening WhatsApp messages after the Argentina-Egypt match. Video Assistant Referee Willy Delajod faced death threats from Egyptian supporters dissatisfied with officiating decisions.
On-field performance also triggered violent responses. Norway’s Alexander Sorloth and his wife received death threats after a quarter-final loss to England. Similarly, Colombia’s Jhon Jáminton Campaz was unable to return home with his national team due to safety fears following a missed penalty.
Key Facts
- A suspect threatened a grenade and rifle attack at Dallas Airport targeting the Argentina-Jordan match.
- A social media post detailed a suicide bomb plot against Lionel Messi in Atlanta.
- Referee François Letexier received 6,000 harassing messages on WhatsApp.
- Authorities investigated three potential bomb threats in Atlanta Stadium trash bins.
- Security protocols were breached at Cristiano Ronaldo’s hotel by a fan seeking a selfie.
- Jhon Jáminton Campaz stayed behind from his team flight due to death threats.
Source: Gulf News
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