Amnesty International has raised serious concerns about human rights in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, labelling the United States as being in the midst of a “human rights emergency.” The organisation’s new report, “Humanity Must Win: Defending rights, tackling repression at the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” highlights the “chilling threat” posed by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) not only to football fans but potentially to the players themselves. Furthermore, Amnesty warns that widespread restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful protest across all three host nations – the US, Mexico, and Canada – could undermine FIFA’s promise of a “safe, welcoming, and inclusive” tournament.
While the report’s primary focus is on the United States, particularly its stringent anti-immigration policies under the Trump administration, it also addresses the repression of protests in Mexico and Canada, alongside other human rights issues. The “human rights emergency” in the US is characterised by discriminatory immigration policies, mass detentions, and arbitrary arrests carried out by masked, armed agents from ICE, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other federal agencies.
Navigating US Borders: Concerns for Fans and Communities
The report outlines significant hurdles for fans wishing to attend the tournament. Beyond the potential difficulties in gaining entry to the US, immigrant communities face heightened risks when travelling to or gathering for matches. A stark finding is that only four of the sixteen host cities have so far released human rights plans. Crucially, none of these plans address protection from immigration enforcement. Amnesty specifically points to problematic agreements in Dallas, Houston, and Miami, where local law enforcement agencies are slated to collaborate with ICE.
For fans from countries like Cote d’Ivoire, Haiti, Iran, and Senegal, travel to the US could be impossible unless they possessed valid visas before January 1, 2026, a consequence of travel bans implemented during the Trump administration. Adding to these concerns, other fans may be subjected to intrusive surveillance, with proposals suggesting visitors could be compelled to grant access to their social media accounts for vetting and screening for perceived “anti-Americanism.”
Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s Head of Economic and Social Justice, expressed grave concerns: “Despite the astounding numbers of arrests and deportations, neither FIFA nor the US authorities have provided any guarantees that fans and local communities will be safe from ethnic and racial profiling, indiscriminate raids, or unlawful detention and deportation.” He further noted that the US government deported over 500,000 individuals in 2025, a figure more than six times the anticipated attendance at the World Cup final.
Cockburn elaborated on the severe implications of these policies: “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. 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.”
Protests and Displacement in Mexico and Canada
The report also sheds light on human rights challenges in Mexico and Canada. Mexico has mobilised a substantial security force of 100,000 personnel, including the military, to address high levels of violence. Amnesty suggests this extensive security presence raises risks for individuals wishing to protest. This is particularly concerning for women activists planning a peaceful demonstration at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City during the opening match, seeking accountability for the disappearance of loved ones.
In Canada, the legacy of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and a deepening housing crisis have sparked fears of further displacement for people experiencing homelessness. These individuals could be pushed further to the margins, especially as venues are increasingly booked for major events. A concerning incident occurred on March 15, when authorities in Toronto closed a winter warming centre, a vital shelter for the homeless, because the venue had been pre-booked for FIFA’s use.
Freedom of Expression Under Threat
Given that major sporting events often become focal points for protests, especially amidst ongoing international conflicts, Amnesty International asserts that the risks of repression are amplified. All three host countries have reportedly imposed “restrictions on the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
The report cites instances of the Trump administration targeting foreign-born students protesting actions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Furthermore, it notes that US citizens who have protested or monitored aggressive immigration enforcement actions have allegedly been killed by federal agents. In Canada, demonstrations concerning Gaza have been “unduly dispersed or cleared by the police.”
Mexico has also witnessed a series of World Cup-related protests from residents distressed by disruptions to water supplies, land access, escalating costs, and gentrification linked to infrastructure development in host cities. Amnesty expresses concern that the “militarised nature of Mexico’s security mobilisation for the tournament brings risks that further protests could be repressed.”
Ultimately, Amnesty International is calling for “urgent action” to ensure FIFA’s commitment to a tournament where everyone can “feel safe, included, and free to exercise their rights” is genuinely fulfilled. The organisation’s findings paint a sobering picture, urging a proactive approach to safeguard fundamental human rights throughout the global sporting spectacle.
