A Shadow Over the Beautiful Game: Human Rights Risks in the 2026 World Cup Host Nations

Millions of football enthusiasts planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup may encounter a stark reality far removed from the celebratory atmosphere. Amnesty International’s recent report, Humanity Must Win: Defending rights, tackling repression at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, details significant risks to individuals in all three host countries. The report underscores a particularly alarming situation in the United States, where the majority of matches will be held.

The US, under the current administration, is facing what many describe as a human rights emergency. Discriminatory immigration policies, mass detentions, and the actions of federal agencies like ICE and CBP are creating a climate of fear. In 2025 alone, over 500,000 people were deported from the US – a figure exceeding six times the capacity of the MetLife Stadium, the venue for the World Cup final.

“The record-breaking surge of unlawful arrests and deportations has only been possible because of the erosion of due process safeguards, undermining the rights to liberty and security of hundreds of thousands of migrants and refugees,” stated Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s Head of Economic and Social Justice. “These policies have torn communities apart and created a climate of fear throughout the USA. It’s a deeply troubling time in the US, which will certainly extend to fans who want to take part in World Cup celebrations.”

The impact of these policies is already being felt in World Cup host cities. Approximately 4,000 California National Guard troops were federalized and deployed to Los Angeles in response to protests against immigration raids. Cities like Dallas, Houston, and Miami have entered into agreements with ICE, raising concerns about racial profiling and eroding trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Beyond the US, Mexico is mobilizing 100,000 security personnel, including the military, to address high levels of violence, potentially increasing risks for protestors. Women activists are planning a peaceful demonstration at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, demanding justice for missing loved ones. In Canada, the looming threat of displacement for people experiencing homelessness is a significant concern, highlighted by the closure of a winter warming center in Toronto to accommodate FIFA preparations.

Travel restrictions are also casting a shadow over the tournament. Fans from Côte d’Ivoire, Haiti, Iran, and Senegal may be unable to attend unless they possess valid visas issued before January 1, 2026, due to existing travel bans. Furthermore, proposals to require visitors to provide social media access for vetting raise serious privacy concerns and could be used to screen for “anti-Americanism.”

“This World Cup is no longer the ‘medium risk’ tournament that FIFA once judged it to be… urgent action is needed to make sure the reality of this World Cup matches its original promise.” – Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s Head of Economic and Social Justice.

Despite the escalating concerns, neither FIFA nor US authorities have offered concrete guarantees to protect fans and communities from discriminatory practices, unlawful detention, or deportation. Only four of the sixteen host cities have published human rights plans, and none adequately address the threat of abusive immigration enforcement.

The right to protest and freedom of expression are also under threat. Across all three host nations, restrictions on these fundamental rights have been observed. The US administration has targeted foreign-born students protesting the situation in Gaza, while citizens protesting immigration enforcement have faced violence. Canada has seen similar restrictions on protests, and Mexico’s heavy security presence raises concerns about the suppression of dissent.

With just over ten weeks until kickoff, FIFA’s commitment to a “safe, included, and free” tournament demands immediate action. LGBTQI+ groups have already expressed safety concerns about having a visible presence at the event.

“While FIFA generates record revenues from the 2026 World Cup, fans, communities, players, journalists and workers cannot be made to pay the price. It is these people – not governments, sponsors or FIFA – to whom football belongs, and their rights must be at the centre of the tournament,” Cockburn emphasized.

Amnesty International is a member of the Sports & Rights Alliance, a coalition advocating for the protection of residents and communities in host cities.

Will FIFA prioritize human rights alongside profit, or will the 2026 World Cup be remembered as a tournament marred by injustice? And, considering the potential for widespread protests, how can host cities ensure the safety of both demonstrators and the general public?

Frequently Asked Questions About Human Rights and the 2026 World Cup