BERLIN — The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be the largest in history with 48 teams and matches across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is facing a growing crisis over human rights concerns under the Trump administration. In a press conference held Monday in Berlin, Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused FIFA of remaining silent amid what the organization called “systematic violations” by U.S. Authorities, warning that the tournament risks becoming a tool for “sportswashing” — the use of major sporting events to distract from human rights abuses.

HRW’s criticism comes just over a year before the tournament’s opening match, scheduled for June 11, 2026, in Mexico City. The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, expanding from the traditional 32, and will span three countries, with the majority of matches taking place in the U.S. FIFA has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to an “inclusive and safe” tournament, but HRW’s allegations suggest those promises may ring hollow in the face of broader political realities.

FIFA’s Human Rights Framework Under Scrutiny

FIFA adopted its Human Rights Policy in 2017, pledging to “respect all internationally recognized human rights” and to “address adverse human rights impacts” linked to its operations. The policy was updated in 2023 to include stronger safeguards, including mechanisms to address abuses involving players, fans, and host communities. However, HRW’s latest statement suggests those mechanisms have failed to hold the U.S. Government accountable.

“FIFA has the leverage to push for change, but it has chosen silence,” said Minky Worden, HRW’s Director of Global Initiatives, during the Berlin press conference. “The 2026 World Cup is being used as a platform to legitimize an administration that has rolled back protections for marginalized communities, including migrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and racial minorities.”

HRW’s concerns are not new. In a letter to FIFA dated May 5, 2025, the organization outlined specific risks tied to the Trump administration’s policies, including:

• Increased deportations and detention of migrants, including those traveling to the U.S. For the tournament.
• Rollbacks of LGBTQ+ protections, particularly in states hosting World Cup matches, such as Texas and Florida.
• Restrictions on freedom of expression, including laws targeting protests near sporting venues.
• Discriminatory immigration policies that could bar fans, journalists, or even players from entering the U.S.

FIFA has not publicly responded to HRW’s latest allegations. In a statement to Archysport, a FIFA spokesperson said the organization “takes its human rights commitments seriously” and is “monitoring the situation closely.” However, the spokesperson did not address specific concerns about the Trump administration’s policies.

The Trump Administration’s Role: A Tournament at Odds with FIFA’s Values

The 2026 World Cup was awarded to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in 2018, during the Trump administration’s first term. At the time, FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the joint bid as a “historic moment” for football and a “celebration of unity.” However, the political landscape in the U.S. Has shifted dramatically since then, with the Trump administration implementing policies that directly conflict with FIFA’s stated values of inclusivity and human rights.

One of the most contentious issues is the U.S. Government’s treatment of migrants. Under Trump, the U.S. Has expanded its detention and deportation policies, including the use of family separation at the border. HRW argues that these policies could deter fans, particularly those from Latin America, from traveling to the U.S. For the tournament. “Many fans may fear being detained or deported simply for attending a match,” Worden said.

LGBTQ+ rights have also emerged as a flashpoint. Several states hosting World Cup matches, including Texas and Florida, have passed laws restricting LGBTQ+ rights, such as bans on gender-affirming care for minors and restrictions on drag performances. FIFA has previously taken a strong stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion, including threatening sanctions against teams wearing “OneLove” armbands during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, FIFA has not commented on how it will address potential discrimination against LGBTQ+ fans or players in the U.S.

Sportswashing: A Growing Concern for Global Sporting Events

The term “sportswashing” has gained traction in recent years as authoritarian regimes and controversial governments have used major sporting events to improve their global image. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar, for example, was marred by allegations of exploitative labor practices and human rights abuses, despite FIFA’s promises of reform. Now, HRW warns that the 2026 World Cup could become another example of sportswashing, this time under the Trump administration.

“Sporting events like the World Cup are not neutral,” said Andrea Florence, Director of the Sport & Rights Alliance, a coalition of human rights organizations. “They provide a platform for governments to launder their reputations, and FIFA has a responsibility to ensure that doesn’t happen.”

Florence pointed to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where the tournament was used to deflect attention from the country’s human rights record, including its treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals and political dissidents. “We saw the same thing in Qatar, and now we’re seeing it again in the U.S.,” she said. “FIFA cannot claim to be a force for decent while turning a blind eye to abuses in its host countries.”

What’s Next for FIFA and the 2026 World Cup?

With the tournament less than 14 months away, FIFA faces mounting pressure to address HRW’s allegations. The organization has several options, including:

• Publicly condemning the Trump administration’s policies: FIFA could issue a statement calling on the U.S. Government to reverse discriminatory policies, particularly those affecting fans and players traveling to the tournament.
• Implementing safeguards for marginalized communities: FIFA could work with local organizers to ensure that LGBTQ+ fans, migrants, and other vulnerable groups are protected from discrimination or harassment.
• Leveraging its commercial partnerships: FIFA’s sponsors, including Coca-Cola, Adidas, and Visa, have previously spoken out against human rights abuses. FIFA could pressure these partners to use their influence to push for change.
• Relocating matches: In extreme cases, FIFA could consider moving matches to cities or states with stronger human rights protections. However, this would be a logistical challenge given the tournament’s scale.

For now, FIFA appears to be taking a wait-and-see approach. In its statement to Archysport, the organization said it is “engaging with relevant stakeholders” to address human rights concerns but did not provide specifics. Meanwhile, HRW has called on FIFA to release a detailed plan outlining how it will protect fans, players, and workers during the tournament.

Key Takeaways

• The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be the largest in history, is facing criticism over human rights concerns under the Trump administration.
• Human Rights Watch has accused FIFA of “sportswashing” by remaining silent on the U.S. Government’s policies, including restrictions on migrants and LGBTQ+ rights.
• FIFA’s Human Rights Policy, updated in 2023, includes mechanisms to address abuses, but HRW argues those mechanisms have not been enforced.
• Several U.S. States hosting World Cup matches, including Texas and Florida, have passed laws restricting LGBTQ+ rights, raising concerns about discrimination against fans and players.
• FIFA has not publicly responded to HRW’s allegations but says it is “monitoring the situation closely.”
• The tournament is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, with the final set for July 19 in New York/New Jersey.

What Fans Necessitate to Know

For fans planning to attend the 2026 World Cup, the human rights concerns raise important questions about safety and inclusivity. Here’s what you should consider:

Travel and Immigration

The U.S. Government’s immigration policies could affect fans traveling from Latin America, Africa, and other regions. HRW recommends that fans:

• Check visa requirements well in advance and ensure all documentation is in order.
• Be aware of increased scrutiny at U.S. Ports of entry, particularly for travelers from countries with large migrant populations.
• Consider traveling with legal counsel or advocacy groups if you have concerns about your status.

LGBTQ+ Rights

Several host cities are located in states with restrictive LGBTQ+ laws. Fans identifying as LGBTQ+ should:

• Research local laws and protections in the cities they plan to visit.
• Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations for support and resources.
• Be aware of potential discrimination in public spaces, including stadiums and fan zones.

Freedom of Expression

The Trump administration has cracked down on protests near sporting events, including during the 2024 U.S. Presidential election. Fans planning to demonstrate or express political views should:

• Familiarize themselves with local laws regarding protests and free speech.
• Avoid wearing or displaying political symbols that could draw unwanted attention from authorities.
• Follow updates from advocacy groups like HRW and the ACLU for guidance on exercising their rights.

The Road Ahead: Can FIFA Deliver on Its Promises?

The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most politically charged in history. With FIFA’s reputation still recovering from the controversies of the 2022 tournament in Qatar, the organization faces a critical test of its commitment to human rights. For fans, players, and workers, the stakes could not be higher.

“FIFA has a choice,” said HRW’s Minky Worden. “It can either use its platform to hold the U.S. Government accountable, or it can become complicit in sportswashing. The world is watching.”

FIFA has not announced any changes to the tournament’s schedule or policies in response to HRW’s allegations. The next major milestone is the final draw for the group stage, scheduled for December 2025 in New York. Until then, the debate over the 2026 World Cup’s legacy is likely to intensify.

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