Mounting human rights concerns threaten to FIFA’s upcoming tournament.
With just weeks until the FIFA World Cup 2026 begins on 11 June, mounting concern is growing over the human rights environment surrounding the tournament in the United States.
The 2026 tournament will be the largest World Cup in football history, with matches taking place across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Under FIFA’s Human Rights Framework, FIFA committed to delivering a tournament that is safe, inclusive and welcoming for all. But campaigners, supporters and human rights organisations warn the reality on the ground in the United States is increasingly at odds with those commitments.
The Human Rights Soccer Alliance (HRSA), alongside fan groups and civil society organisations, has raised concerns over escalating immigration enforcement, visa restrictions, surveillance practices and the absence of transparency from World Cup organisers and host cities.
Despite kick-off now only weeks away, most World Cup host city committees in the United States have still not publicly released the Human Rights Action Plans they are expected to produce under FIFA requirements. Campaigners argue this lack of transparency raises serious questions around accountability, safeguarding and preparedness.
At the same time, concerns continue to grow around aggressive immigration enforcement operations taking place across the country. Human rights groups have documented raids at workplaces, schools, courthouses and public spaces, while reports describe people being detained by masked officers in unmarked vehicles.
Workers connected to the tournament are considered among those most vulnerable, particularly low-paid and migrant workers expected to support hospitality, transport, cleaning, security and stadium operations throughout the World Cup period.
Questions are also being raised around access to the tournament itself.
Recent U.S. visa restrictions and entry bans mean supporters from several nations face major barriers to attending matches. Human rights advocates argue these restrictions directly contradict football’s identity as a global game built on migration, multiculturalism and international connection.
Concerns intensified further following reports during the FIFA Club World Cup that an asylum-seeking father was detained over a minor offence, transferred into ICE custody and later deported after attending a match with his children.
Campaigners say the World Cup risks becoming overshadowed by fear, exclusion and political hostility unless urgent protections are introduced.
A growing coalition of football supporters, athletes, community organisations and human rights groups has now united behind the message: “Keep the World in the World Cup.”
