Leaked security dossier reveals bomb threats and attacks targeting World Cup stars

A leaked US police security file has detailed a series of serious threats surrounding the World Cup, including alleged terrorist plots and death threats aimed at leading players, referees and coaching staff.

The Argentina team and Lionel Messi were among the main targets, according to the document, which was reported by The Sun after being published by Spanish website Informacion.es.

Before Argentina’s match against Jordan, a man reportedly called Dallas airport and threatened to storm the stadium with two other people. He claimed they had grenades and an AR-15 rifle and intended to attack police officers and players from both teams. Messi was specifically named as someone he wanted to kill.

A similar threat was reported before Argentina’s game against Egypt. One suspect allegedly wrote on X that he would enter the stadium in Atlanta and blow himself up using four bombs strapped to his body, with Messi as the intended target.

Police also received another call during the same match claiming that three bombs had been placed inside rubbish bins in the stands. The allegation prompted a major search involving bomb-disposal experts and sniffer dogs.

Cristiano Ronaldo was also the subject of security concerns. A Fifa employee reportedly told authorities that a suspicious man had asked for information about where the Portugal forward was staying.

A separate fan allegedly entered Ronaldo’s hotel and attempted to join him in a lift. When stopped by police, the supporter claimed he had only wanted a selfie.

Match officials faced threats as well. French referee Francois Letexier reportedly received more than 6,000 threatening messages on WhatsApp after decisions made during Argentina’s match against Egypt. Video assistant referee Willy Delajod was also said to have received death threats from angry Egyptian supporters.

Players who missed decisive opportunities were targeted too. Norway forward Alexander Sørloth and his wife reportedly received death threats after he failed to pass to Erling Haaland during the quarter-final against England.

Colombia’s Jaminton Campaz faced similar abuse after missing a penalty and was unable even to return home with the national team, according to the leaked material.

The incidents recall the killing of Colombia defender Andres Escobar in 1994 after he scored an own goal.

Elsewhere, Paraguay supporters reportedly burned an effigy bearing Kylian Mbappe’s name after their defeat by France. The France forward was also subjected to racist chants, including an attack by a Paraguayan senator.

South Korea were placed under heavy protection after their group-stage exit. Their head coach, Hong Myung-bo, became the focus of public anger, prompting police to investigate the circumstances surrounding his appointment.

England’s media centre also suffered a security breach when a man carrying a wrench entered while shouting. Security measures were subsequently strengthened, with the base turned into a facility protected by three security rings, concrete barriers and anti-sniper screens.

A no-fly zone was imposed to guard against drone attacks, while large numbers of armed police were deployed. The arrangements were described as making it the most heavily fortified edition of the World Cup ever.