The French national football team, currently competing in the 2026 World Cup, has traveled on at least three domestic flights using aircraft operated by GlobalX, a charter airline whose planes had previously been used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for mass deportations of migrants, according to an investigation published by The Guardian.
The revelation comes as the team, known as Les Bleus, continues its campaign in the tournament, having advanced to the knockout stages with an undefeated record. The Guardian’s report, based on flight records and internal documents, indicates that the aircraft in question were part of a fleet contracted by ICE to carry out deportation operations, often under controversial circumstances that have drawn criticism from human rights groups.
GlobalX, a Florida-based charter airline, has regularly provided aircraft to ICE for what the agency calls “removal flights,” which transport individuals who have been ordered deported from the United States. These flights have been a focal point of debate over U.S. immigration enforcement, with advocates arguing that they separate families and violate due process. The Guardian’s investigation identified specific flights taken by the French team that matched tail numbers of planes used in previous ICE deportation missions.
The French Football Federation (FFF) has not yet issued a formal response to the report. However, the story has sparked immediate reactions in France and abroad, with critics questioning the ethical implications of the team’s travel arrangements. Some commentators have drawn attention to the contrast between the celebratory atmosphere of the World Cup and the harsh realities of immigration enforcement that the same aircraft have been used for.
The use of charter aircraft by sports teams is common during major tournaments, particularly when commercial schedules do not align with training and match requirements. GlobalX is one of several companies that provide such services, and its contracts with ICE have been publicly known for years. The Guardian’s report, however, is the first to link the airline’s deportation flights directly to a high-profile national team.
This is not the first time that GlobalX has faced scrutiny over its role in immigration enforcement. In 2023, a U.S. congressional report highlighted the airline’s involvement in deportation flights, noting that it had received millions of dollars in federal contracts. Human rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have called for greater transparency regarding the conditions under which deportees are transported, citing reports of inadequate medical care and mistreatment on such flights.
The French team’s use of these aircraft adds a new dimension to the ongoing debate about the intersection of sports and politics. While athletes and teams often seek to avoid political controversies, their logistical choices can inadvertently become symbols of broader issues. The Guardian’s investigation has prompted calls for the FFF to review its travel policies and ensure that future contracts align with ethical standards.
As the World Cup progresses, the French team remains focused on its performance on the field. The squad, which includes some of the world’s most prominent footballers, is aiming to secure a place in the semifinals. However, the off-field controversy over their travel arrangements is likely to persist, particularly as more details emerge about the extent of GlobalX’s involvement with ICE.
The Guardian’s report has also reignited discussions in France about immigration policy and human rights. French officials have not commented directly on the story, but the issue has been picked up by national media, with some outlets questioning whether the government should have been aware of the team’s travel choices. The French embassy in Washington has not responded to requests for comment.
For now, the focus remains on the tournament itself. The French team is scheduled to play a crucial match in the coming days, and the players have not publicly addressed the controversy. The FFF is expected to issue a statement in the near future, potentially clarifying how the flights were arranged and whether the federation was aware of the aircraft’s prior use.
The broader implications of the story extend beyond football. It highlights the often-unseen connections between commercial enterprises and government agencies, and the ways in which seemingly unrelated activities—such as a sports team’s travel—can become entangled with contentious policies. As the World Cup continues to captivate global audiences, the Guardian’s investigation serves as a reminder that the logistics behind the scenes can carry significant moral weight.
