In an effort to manage crowd behavior during World Cup events in the United States, Argentina has handed over a list containing 35,000 individuals banned from attending soccer matches. Notably, this list includes 13,000 individuals who are in arrears on child support payments.
Argentina’s National Security Minister, Alejandra Monteoliva, forwarded the database to U.S. authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, as part of the preparations for Argentina’s participation in the World Cup held in the U.S.
“We are taking firm steps to ensure compliance with obligations,” Monteoliva announced. “Access to these stadiums will be denied to those who have defaulted on their child support payments.”
The list originates from Argentina’s Tribuna Segura (“Safe Stands”) initiative, which began in Buenos Aires in 2016 and has since expanded across the country. This system is designed to screen spectators using their national ID cards at stadium entrances, identifying individuals with pending arrest warrants or those prohibited from attending soccer games.
On May 13, authorities in Argentina incorporated about 13,000 parents with child support debts into this list. Subsequently, on June 11, the updated version was shared with U.S. law enforcement agencies.
The United States does not have a comparable nationwide system for screening fans at sporting events. Michael Alcazar, a former NYPD detective and adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said a similar program could help authorities locate wanted suspects.
“I think it’s a valuable tool,” Alcazar said. “People normally have their guards down when they’re attending sporting events, and you could probably track down and take many offenders into custody that way — as long as our court system is good with it.”
Argentine officials said the Tribuna Segura program identified more than 1,100 people with outstanding arrest warrants during more than 1,300 matches between 2023 and 2025.
Buenos Aires Mayor Jorge Macri said parents who have failed to pay child support should face consequences, according to an Instagram post by Goal.
“Those who fail to meet a responsibility as fundamental as feeding their children must face the consequences. If they do not provide for their children, they will not be allowed into the stadium,” the Mayor of Buenos Aires said.
It remains unclear whether U.S. authorities plan to use Argentina’s database to bar anyone from attending World Cup matches. Last month, the State Department announced it would begin revoking the passports of people who owe at least $100,000 in child support.
The State Department said it will work with the Department of Health and Human Services, which will identify individuals with more than $2,500 in unpaid child support. Officials have not said how many people could ultimately lose their passports.