Argentina’s Security Minister Patricia Bullrich has submitted a list of over 15,000 violent football fans to the United States Embassy in Buenos Aires, ahead of this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament, set to take place across the U.S. from 14 June to 13 July, will feature 32 clubs including Argentine giants Boca Juniors and River Plate.
The names on the list are individuals banned from stadiums in Argentina due to violence, criminal activity, or disorderly conduct at football events. “For us, this is extremely important,” said Bullrich. “No violent person who has committed a crime in Argentine stadiums will be able to attend this sporting event.”
The list was compiled using Argentina’s “Tribuna Segura” (Safe Stands) programme, which screens fans entering stadiums for outstanding arrest warrants or stadium bans. Since its launch, the programme has checked over four million individuals at more than 1,300 matches, resulting in 1,166 arrests and over 40 administrative bans, according to Bullrich.
Boca Juniors will compete in Group C alongside European champions Bayern Munich, Auckland City and Benfica. River Plate are in Group E with Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey and Inter Milan.
The unprecedented move underscores the Argentine government’s efforts to curb football-related violence on the international stage. Fan violence, often associated with organised hooligan groups known as “barras bravas,” has long plagued domestic football in Argentina. By proactively sharing this data with U.S. authorities, Argentina aims to prevent such groups from following their teams abroad and tarnishing the tournament.
The Club World Cup 2025 marks the first time the competition has expanded to 32 teams, following a format more akin to the FIFA World Cup. It is also the first edition to be hosted by the United States—serving as a significant test event ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Further collaboration between U.S. security agencies and their Argentine counterparts is expected in the coming weeks as part of broader efforts to ensure a safe and incident-free tournament.