Human rights groups urge international fans to stay alert to safety and legal risks in the United States.
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicking off on 11 June, more than 120 human rights and civil society organisations are warning travelling supporters, journalists and visitors to carefully consider the risks linked to the current political and enforcement climate in the United States.
The coalition, which includes organisations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Amnesty International USA and members of the Dignity 2026 network, has issued a public advisory ahead of the tournament, warning visitors about immigration enforcement, surveillance practices, racial profiling and restrictions on protest and free expression.
The Human Rights Soccer Alliance (HRSA) says many fans travelling to the United States may not fully understand the scale of immigration enforcement operations currently taking place across several World Cup host cities.
Campaigners warn there are still no clear public guarantees preventing immigration enforcement activity around stadiums, fan zones or official FIFA events, despite the tournament now being only weeks away.
Human rights organisations are encouraging supporters to be aware of:
• aggressive immigration enforcement operations in host cities
• detention or denial of entry at airports and borders
• searches of mobile phones, laptops and social media accounts
• increased surveillance in public spaces and transport hubs
• racial profiling and questioning by law enforcement
• restrictions on demonstrations and political expression
• concerns around conditions inside immigration detention facilities
The warning follows growing international scrutiny over the United States’ immigration policies and enforcement tactics under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Recent reports have documented people being detained during routine encounters, at workplaces, schools, courts and public events. Rights groups have also raised concerns around conditions inside immigration detention centres, including allegations relating to healthcare access, overcrowding and due process.
Particular concern has also been raised for supporters travelling from countries affected by new U.S. visa restrictions and entry bans.
HRSA says supporters should not panic, but should prepare carefully before travelling.
The organisation recommends that fans understand their rights at U.S. borders, review digital security before travelling, remain aware of local conditions in host cities and carefully consider how public demonstrations or political messaging may be treated differently across states and jurisdictions.
The coalition argues that football supporters should not have to weigh personal safety, immigration risk or surveillance concerns when attending the world’s biggest sporting event.
As the tournament approaches, campaigners continue to call on FIFA and U.S. authorities to provide clear public guarantees that fans, journalists, volunteers and local communities will be protected throughout the World Cup period.
