World Cup security dossier reveals terror threats targeting Messi, Ronaldo and other stars

August 08, 2026 • 0 • min read

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World Cup security dossier reveals terror threats targeting Messi, Ronaldo and other stars

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Alleged bomb threats targeted Messi and Argentina during the World Cup.
Ronaldo, Mbappé and several players reportedly faced security threats.
Referees and players were also subjected to online abuse and death threats.

A chilling police dossier has reportedly revealed a series of serious security threats made during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including an alleged suicide bomber warning and multiple attempts to target major football figures.

The document, seen by Informacion.es, details a number of disturbing incidents, with Argentina's national team appearing to be a particular focus.

Bomb threats allegedly targeted Messi and Argentina

Before Argentina's match against Jordan, a man reportedly called Dallas airport and claimed that he and two others planned to storm the stadium carrying homemade bombs and an AR-15-style rifle.

According to reports, the caller threatened to attack police officers and players from both teams, whilst making "special mention" of killing Lionel Messi.

Argentina's match against Egypt was also allegedly targeted.

One suspected terrorist reportedly posted on X claiming he was about to enter Atlanta's stadium and blow up Messi using four bombs strapped to his body.

During the match, another man allegedly contacted police and claimed he had planted three bombs inside rubbish bins around the stadium.

The threats triggered a major security operation, with bomb disposal specialists and sniffer dogs deployed to search the venue.

Ronaldo security fears raised at World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo was also reportedly the subject of security concerns.

A FIFA employee alerted authorities after a suspicious man allegedly began asking for details about the Portugal star's World Cup accommodation.

In a separate incident, another man reportedly managed to enter Ronaldo's hotel and attempted to get into an elevator with the footballer.

Police handcuffed the man, who reportedly claimed that he only wanted to take a selfie with Ronaldo.

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Referees targeted with death threats

The security concerns were not limited to players.

Referee François Letexier reportedly received more than 6,000 threatening messages on his personal WhatsApp account following controversial decisions during the Argentina-Egypt match.

VAR official Willy Delajod was also reportedly subjected to a barrage of angry messages from Egyptian supporters, including death threats.

The incidents highlight the increasingly serious security risks faced by match officials when controversial decisions provoke intense online abuse.

Mbappé targeted after Paraguay win

Kylian Mbappé was also reportedly targeted by supporters following France's victory over Paraguay.

A straw figure labelled "Mbappé" was burned by Paraguay fans after the defeat, whilst the France and Real Madrid forward was subjected to racist abuse, including an alleged tirade from a Paraguayan senator.

The incident added to concerns over the treatment of high-profile players amid increasingly hostile reactions from supporters.

Players threatened after costly mistakes

Players who made costly errors were also reportedly subjected to threats.

Norway striker Alexander Sørloth and his wife allegedly received death threats after the forward failed to play Erling Haaland through on goal during Norway's quarter-final against England.

Colombia's Jaminton Campaz also reportedly faced threats after missing a penalty. He was subsequently unable to return to Colombia with the rest of the squad following the team's elimination.

The threats are particularly disturbing given Colombia's history of football-related violence.

At the 1994 World Cup, Colombian defender Andrés Escobar was murdered after scoring an own goal against the United States.

South Korea placed under heavy police protection

South Korea's national team was also reportedly given significant police protection following their disappointing group-stage exit.

Former coach Hong Myung-bo became the focus of intense public anger, with police reportedly investigating the process surrounding his appointment.

The situation demonstrated how pressure surrounding a national team can extend beyond players and into the wider football administration.

England security breach raises alarm

England's security arrangements were also tested when a man reportedly entered the team's media centre carrying a wrench and began shouting at members of the media.

The incident occurred despite the England squad being protected by three layers of security at what was described as the most heavily fortified World Cup.

The team's US base was reportedly transformed into a virtual fortress, with concrete barriers and screens installed around the hotel to restrict visibility and reduce potential sniper risks.

A no-fly zone was also enforced as part of measures designed to prevent possible drone attacks.

A command centre was established opposite The Inn at Meadowbrook Hotel, where the England squad was based, whilst armed police, security officers and private guards reportedly patrolled the perimeter in Prairie Village, Kansas.

World Cup security under unprecedented pressure

The incidents outlined in the police dossier illustrate the scale and complexity of the security challenge surrounding a major international football tournament.

From alleged bomb threats and attempted hotel intrusions to death threats against players and officials, the reported incidents involved both physical security risks and escalating online abuse.

With some of the world's most recognisable athletes competing under intense public scrutiny, authorities were required to protect not only stadiums and team bases, but also hotels, media facilities and individual players.

The dossier's allegations underline how security at a modern World Cup extends far beyond the traditional threat of crowd disorder, encompassing terrorism, targeted violence, stalking, online threats and potential drone attacks.

For players such as Messi, Ronaldo and Mbappé, the tournament's global profile can bring extraordinary attention and, as the reported incidents demonstrate, potentially serious security risks.