Yes, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is under threat due to concerns over the United States’ treatment of citizens and visitors, particularly regarding immigration policies and other human rights issues.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, faces significant threats and concerns regarding human rights abuses, particularly within the United States. A coalition of human rights organizations, trade unions, and fans groups, including the Sport & Rights Alliance, Dignity 2026, ACLU, AFL-CIO, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the Independent Supporters Council, NAACP, Athlete Ally, and Reporters Without Borders, have voiced alarm over the deteriorating human rights situation in the U.S. and its potential impact on the tournament. These groups contend that FIFA’s commitments to human rights, embedded in the bidding process for the 2026 World Cup, are at risk due to escalating attacks on immigrants, threats to press freedom, and the cancellation of anti-discrimination messaging by FIFA itself.
DON’T TRUST TRUMP AND HIS Immigration and Law Enforcement
A major point of contention is the aggressive anti-human rights campaign targeting immigrants in the U.S., including the deployment of the National Guard in cities slated to host World Cup matches. Organizations like the ACLU and Amnesty International have expressed deep concern that attending a soccer match could lead to arbitrary detention or deportation, regardless of immigration status. The Trump administration’s policies, such as enforced disappearances under the Alien Enemies Act, travel bans, increased detention, and visa restrictions, are seen as threatening the inclusivity and global nature of the World Cup. A specific incident involving the arrest and deportation of an asylum seeker during the Club World Cup final in New Jersey highlighted these fears, as the individual was handed over to ICE agents after a minor infraction, leading to potential deportation to a country where his life was at risk. Mohamad Safa, a Lebanese diplomat, even canceled his World Cup tickets, citing fears of being labeled “dangerous” by ICE and detained without due process. Despite assurances from the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 that the U.S. aims to be welcoming to legal visitors, the administration has not ruled out ICE raids, emphasizing that “every visa decision is also a national security decision”
Workers’ Rights
Human rights groups emphasize that the World Cup should implement a new model that supports strong worker rights protections and ensures that working people and communities benefit from hosting such a mega-sporting event. The AFL-CIO and ITUC have highlighted concerns about potential exploitation, wage theft, and unsafe working conditions, especially given the Trump administration’s anti-union sentiment and dismantling of federal programs. They stress the need for binding commitments to protect workers involved in stadium construction, hospitality, and event services
Media Freedom
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has raised alarms about restrictions on journalists’ access, visa threats, and safety concerns in the U.S. They urge FIFA and host governments to guarantee the freedom and safety of journalists before, during, and after the tournament, especially given Mexico’s dangerous environment for media professionals
Civil Rights and Anti-Discrimination
We all know FIFA’s position on racism. We see it all the time in all matches. The position of the USA and its ICE operation is the opposite of what FIFA stands for. Discrimination based on race, color even worse case people’s ascent are used against them in the united states of America which contradicts FIFA’s Policies. So why entertain this even with a peace price? Double standard traits is a dent on FIFA which has earned its respect based on the no political involvement on national team policy which has been a good check for most national football teams all over the world.
Community Impact
Dignity 2026 and Georgetown Law’s Center for Community Health Innovation emphasize that host cities must ensure the rights and dignity of all residents and visitors are protected Which the USA is doing the exact opposite. . They specifically highlight concerns about the criminalization and displacement of unhoused populations as part of “beautification efforts
“The ability to peacefully protest without fear of retribution is a cornerstone of a free society, yet is increasingly under threat in the United States.
Story by NANA OWUSU EMMANUEL
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