In an unprecedented alert, the Trump administration has advised all American travelers attending the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco to carry pepper spray for personal protection, citing “heightened security risks” and “unpredictable crowd behavior.” The unexpected guidance—issued via a State Department travel advisory—has left sports fans stunned and sparked fierce debate over safety, civil liberties, and international diplomacy U.S. Travel Advisory.
Officials warned that demonstrations against ticket shortages and local unrest could escalate around match venues in Rabat and Casablanca, where hundreds of thousands of fans will converge from December 1 to 11. “We strongly recommend carrying a legally permitted self-defense tool such as pepper spray,” the advisory states, while also urging immediate registration with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for real-time updates STEP Enrollment.
@StateDept “Travelers to Morocco should be aware of sporadic protests and carry non-lethal defense devices in accordance with local laws.” View on X
Critics slammed the advisory as fearmongering, arguing that political tensions have been minimal since Morocco’s successful hosting of major tournaments. “This is wildly overblown,” said sports journalist Maria Torres in a column for ESPN analysis. “Fans already have enough to worry about—now they need weapons?”
@FIFAcom “We are in close contact with U.S. authorities to ensure safe, enjoyable matches for all fans.” via X
Moroccan officials swiftly protested, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs calling the directive “unwarranted and damaging to bilateral relations.” In a televised statement, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita emphasized that “security at Club World Cup venues is among the highest in Africa,” and urged U.S. citizens to “trust local protocols” Morocco MFA release.
Meanwhile, civil liberties advocates on both sides of the Atlantic warned that encouraging civilians to carry defensive spray could lead to misuse and legal confusion. “Pepper spray laws vary widely—this could put Americans at risk of arrest,” noted Brittany Barnes of the ACLU’s International Rights Project in a ACLU press briefing.
@ACLU “Advisories must be clear: carrying weapons abroad can have serious legal consequences.” View on X
Travel bloggers have been poring over local regulations. Adventure influencer @GlobalTrekker posted an explainer video showing how Moroccan law permits only “brightly colored, non-flammable irritants” for self-defense—warning U.S. fans to avoid illegal formulas Watch on YouTube.
@GlobalTrekker “Not all sprays sold in the U.S. are legal in Morocco—know your labels and carrier requirements!” via X
Ticket-holder forums buzzed with anxiety. On r/soccer, one user lamented, “We just wanted to watch Real Madrid vs. Al Ahly—now we’re prepping for street battles!”
Security consultant James Keller, writing for Defense News, praised the administration for proactive caution but cautioned that “self-defense advisories must be paired with clear guidance on usage and local compliance.”
@SafetyFirstIntl “Non-lethal tools are valuable—but only when fans know how and where they can legally use them.” via X
In response, U.S. Embassy Rabat issued a clarifying note stressing that “carrying pepper spray is optional” and reminding travelers that local law enforcement and stadium security are tasked with ensuring fan safety Embassy Advisory.
Some fans, however, embraced the warning as part of the Club World Cup adventure. American supporter group Casablanca Crazies organized a “Pepper Spray 101” workshop in Miami, teaching attendees the legal nuances of traveling with self-defense items Meetup announcement.
@CasablancaCrazies “Better safe than sorry—join our seminar on pepper spray dos and don’ts before you fly!” View on X
As kickoff approaches, questions remain: will stadiums enforce security screenings for pepper spray canisters? Will U.S. fans feel safer—or more anxious? And what diplomatic fallout will this advisory leave in its wake?
One thing is certain: the Trump administration’s “carry pepper spray” warning has transformed a global soccer tournament into a potential test of self-defense laws, cultural respect, and international cooperation—ensuring that spectators won’t just remember the goals, but the gear they packed for safety.
