More than 120 civil society and human rights organizations have issued a joint travel advisory warning international visitors, including fans, players, journalists, and officials—about potential risks ahead of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup in the United States.
The advisory, released on April 23, highlights concerns that participants traveling to the tournament could face serious human rights and immigration-related risks if current policies remain unchanged. The World Cup is expected to be hosted across multiple cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with the majority of matches scheduled in the U.S.
According to the coalition, the warning is driven by what they describe as an increasingly restrictive immigration and enforcement environment. The groups caution that, without intervention from FIFA, host authorities, or the U.S. government, visitors may face risks including:
- Arbitrary denial of entry at ports of entry
- Detention and possible deportation under immigration enforcement actions
- Invasive screening of electronic devices and social media accounts
- Racial profiling and discriminatory enforcement practices
- Suppression of protest activity and reduced civic freedoms
- Harsh treatment in immigration detention facilities
The advisory further states that vulnerable groups, particularly immigrants, racial and ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ individuals, may face heightened exposure to enforcement actions during the tournament period.
The statement comes amid broader concerns raised by rights organizations regarding immigration enforcement policies in the United States under the current administration. Advocacy groups argue that intensified border controls and expanded federal enforcement operations may create an unsafe environment for international visitors attending major global events such as the World Cup.
Reports indicate that civil liberties organizations, including prominent groups such as the ACLU and Amnesty International, are urging FIFA and host governments to provide stronger guarantees for the protection of visitors’ rights during the tournament.
The coalition is calling on FIFA, host cities, and the U.S. government to implement concrete safeguards to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of all attendees. These include protections against arbitrary immigration enforcement actions and assurances of safe access for international fans and media personnel.
They warn that failure to address these concerns could undermine public confidence in the tournament and deter international participation in what is expected to be one of the largest sporting events in the world.
As preparations continue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the advisory highlights growing tensions between global sporting events and domestic policy environments. While organizers emphasize inclusivity and global unity, civil society groups maintain that meaningful reforms are necessary to ensure the tournament remains safe and accessible for all.