A top human rights organization is encouraging FIFA to reconsider hosting the 2026 World Cup in the United States due to the Trump administration’s border polices.
The FIFA World Cup is scheduled to kick off in June of 2026, with games played in 16 cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
In a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Human Rights Watch said he should be “prepared to reconsider the hosting decision” if the safety of fans and players can’t be guaranteed, according to Politico.
The Trump administration’s immigration policies have resulted in some international travelers being detained by ICE at airports and sent to detention centers often due to minor visa issues or misunderstandings.
“The administration of President Donald Trump has implemented or is planning policies that fundamentally undermine the inclusive spirit of the World Cup and the non-discrimination policies under FIFA’s Statutes,” the organization warned Infantino.
FIFA must “establish clear benchmarks and timelines for U.S. immigration policy changes needed to ensure respect for the rights of players, fans, and other participants in the World Cup,” the group added.
Human Rights Watch is also asking FIFA about their plan if “fans or journalists are subject to discrimination, wrongful interrogation or arbitrary arrest while in the U.S.” and what steps are being taken to “advocate for changes in policies to align with international human rights, FIFA’s Statutes, and FIFA’s Human Rights Policy.”
Despite concerns from human rights groups, Infantino has reportedly been telling top officials behind closed doors that he does not expect that the Trump administration’s border policies will affect the tournament.
