More than 120 civil society groups issued a travel advisory today warning that fans, players, journalists and other visitors travelling for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup could be at risk of serious rights violations as the Trump administration doubles down on its draconian immigration and anti-human rights agenda.
“Fans, journalists and others travelling to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup risk encountering a deeply troubling human rights landscape, shaped by the Trump administration’s racist immigration policies, mass detention and deportation, and attacks on freedom of expression and peaceful protest,” said Daniel Noroña, Americas Advocacy Director with Amnesty International USA. “If the U.S. government and host cities cannot guarantee the rights and safety of all, this tournament risks falling far short of FIFA’s promise of a safe, welcoming, and inclusive event, for travelling fans, journalists, players and people already living in the U.S. alike.”
In their advisory, the groups state that, in the absence of meaningful action from FIFA, host cities or the Trump administration, people traveling to the United States and domestically could be at risk of:
- Arbitrary denial of entry and risk of arrest, detention and/or deportation
- Expanded restrictions and limitations on travel and entry to the U.S.
- Invasive social media screening and searches of electronic devices
- Violent and unconstitutional immigration enforcement, including racial profiling
- Suppression of speech and protest, and increased surveillance
- Cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment – and even death – while in ICE detention or custody
“FIFA has been paying lip service to human rights while cosying up with the Trump administration, putting millions of people at risk of being harmed and their basic rights violated,” said Jamil Dakwar, ACLU human rights program director. “The Trump administration’s abusive actions continue to threaten our communities, tourists, and fans alike – and it’s past time that FIFA use its leverage to push for meaningful policy changes and binding assurances that will make people feel safe to travel and enjoy the games.”
Jennifer Li, who leads Dignity 2026, a national coalition working with grassroots groups in host cities, has multiple signatories among its members. She highlighted that the spectre of immigration enforcement this summer has become the leading concern among grassroots organisations across host cities.
The key warning is centred around AI-driven surveillance and facial recognition in host cities, which rights groups claim could be shared with immigration authorities.
Higher Concerns than previous tournaments in Qatar and Russia
Unlike the previous World Cup tournaments held in Qatar in 2022 or Russia in 2018, the U.S. has active travel bans affecting four qualified participating nations: Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast, which creates a unique situation where fans and some personnel from these countries may be legally barred from entry.
“Irrespective of their focus area – housing, labour, immigration – this issue has become a galvanising topic. With less than two months to go, we are still waiting for public commitments from FIFA and host city organisers about plans to protect residents, workers, and visitors. The silence has been deafening,’ Li confirmed.
Furthermore, the advisory encourages travellers, including thousands of journalists expected to cover the games, to take steps to protect themselves, such as securing electronic devices by removing facial recognition capabilities when travelling; alerting family, friends or trusted colleagues of plans to travel to and within the U.S.; and consulting other “Know Your Rights” resources.
“We are excited for fellow supporters to experience the World Cup and our North American soccer culture, but there are still too many unknowns across host cities. This advisory is about urging caution so that fans can arrive prepared, stay safe, and avoid preventable issues that could also place a strain on local communities and resources,” concluded Bailey Brown, President of the Independent Supporters Council North America.
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