FAYETTEVILLE, GA—A mere day before the first whistle is blown at the 2026 World Cup, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association and United States Soccer Federation urged fans visiting the United States to respect the nations culture of mass shootings. "We're very excited for fans across the world to come see their country's team compete in the FIFA World Cup 2026. As with all previous host nations, each one has its own customs and rich cultures, which we here at FIFA believe should be treated with upmost respect. In spirit of this belief, we are asking that fans visiting the United States of America be mindful and considerate of the nations long and storied culture of frequent mass shootings," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. "We understand that those visiting from abroad may not be accustomed to our nations proud history of senseless and unregulated gun violence. But we hope that anyone planning on visiting the United States for the upcoming World Cup will be able to respect and understand that we all share common traits, such as organs like a heart or brain that are a very surefire method of ensuring death if fired upon with a shotgun at close range," said USSF President Cindy Parlow Cone. It was noted that both Mr. Infantino and Ms. Parlow Cone were wearing bulletproof vests during their statements to the media. At press time, reports emerged that alleged visitors landing in the U.S. for the World Cup were being deported by ICE if they referred to "soccer" as "football."