FIFA World Cup 2026 fans travelling to the event could face serious human rights threats, Amnesty International has said, as the world sporting event is drifting away from the “safe, free and inclusive” tournament favoured by FIFA.
With just 10 weeks remaining before the June 11 kickoff in Mexico, Amnesty warned of developments in the US, where it said a “human rights emergency” is unfolding.
Amnesty International traces these human rights threats to mass deportations, aggressive immigration policing and increased restrictions on public protests.
Steve Cockburn, Amnesty’s economic and social justice director, said that the situation facing fans during the tournament could be vastly different from expectations.
Amnesty noted that over 500,000 people were sent back to their home countries by the US last year, and said enforcement efforts by immigration authorities, such as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, might impact World Cup-related activities.
Amnesty International called on FIFA to apply pressure on the Donald Trump administration to guarantee that immigration enforcement will not take place near locations of matches, fan zones and public gatherings.
It also demanded the right to hold peaceful protests and the lifting of countrywide travel bans for fans from nations including Senegal, Ivory Coast, Haiti and Iran, among other measures to protect LGBTQ+ fans.
The organisation also expressed concerns about the other host countries.
In Mexico, Amnesty expressed concern about a plan underway by authorities to place about 100,000 security agents. This risks abuses, given a history of abuse associated with Mexico’s militarisation.
The group said planned protests in Mexico City, including demonstrations by women urging attention to issue of enforced disappearances, should take place without interference.
In Canada, Amnesty warned the tournament could further exacerbate the challenges faced by people who are homeless, raising an extra health and safety concern for the games.
Also read: Iran pushes to move FIFA WC matches from US to Mexico
