The Controversial Travel Choice
The France national team has become embroiled in a political storm after it emerged that the squad has been using a charter airline heavily involved in the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign during the FIFA World Cup. According to a report by The Guardian, the French Football Federation (FFF) booked flights with Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX), a company that operates more than half of U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removal flights.
Images posted on social media and flight tracking data confirm that the team used GlobalX for at least three domestic journeys between World Cup matches and their base camp in Boston. One of the aircraft, which transported the team after a game against Paraguay, had flown 44 deportation-related flights in 2026 alone.
"That same airline charter company has operated more than half of ICE’s removal flights in 2024 and 2025," The Guardian reported.
Mbappé’s Political Activism Highlights Irony
The revelation is particularly awkward given that French captain Kylian Mbappé is one of the world's most vocal athletes against far-right politics. Mbappé has consistently used his platform to speak out on social issues, making the team’s association with a company central to a controversial government policy all the more jarring. The striker’s public persona has been built on standing against discrimination, yet his national side now finds itself linked to an airline whose business model is deeply intertwined with immigration enforcement.
France’s World Cup Campaign Overshadowed
Les Bleus are among the favorites to win the tournament, but this off-field controversy threatens to distract from their performances. The FFF has not yet issued a statement addressing why it chose GlobalX or whether it will continue using the airline for future travel. With the team set to face Morocco in the quarter-finals, questions are mounting about the federation’s vetting process for commercial partners.
Key Takeaways
- The France national team used Global Crossing Airlines, a key subcontractor for ICE deportation flights, for domestic travel during the 2026 World Cup.
- The same airline aircraft flew 44 deportation-related flights in 2026 alone, highlighting its deep involvement in the Trump administration’s mass deportation policy.
- Captain Kylian Mbappé’s outspoken stance against far‑right politics creates a stark contrast with the team’s choice of carrier, sparking criticism from fans and human rights groups.
- The French Football Federation has remained silent on the matter as focus shifts to their quarter‑final clash against Morocco.
Quick Facts
Airline: Global Crossing Airlines (GlobalX)
ICE removal flights operated: Over 50% in 2024‑2025
France trips confirmed: At least three domestic flights
Notable player affected: Kylian Mbappé
Next match: France vs Morocco, quarter‑final
