2026 World Cup in U.S. Faces “Exclusion and Fear” Warnings From Human Rights Watch

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief, Archysport

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to kick off June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is already drawing sharp criticism from human rights organizations over concerns that the tournament could unfold in an atmosphere of “exclusion and fear.” Human Rights Watch (HRW), the New York-based advocacy group, issued a stark warning Monday, citing risks to fans, journalists, and migrants under the immigration policies of the Trump administration.

The 48-team tournament, the first World Cup to be co-hosted by three nations, will feature matches in 16 cities—11 in the U.S., three in Mexico, and two in Canada. But HRW’s April 23 news release argues that the U.S. Leg of the event is particularly vulnerable to rights violations, including discriminatory entry policies, restrictions on press freedom, and crackdowns on protests.

Key Concerns Raised by Human Rights Watch

HRW’s report, titled “2026 World Cup: Tournament Will Kick Off in Climate of Fear,” outlines three primary areas of concern:

• Immigration Enforcement: The organization warns that supporters, journalists, and other visitors traveling to the U.S. For the tournament “risk detention, deportation, or discrimination” due to the Trump administration’s immigration policies. HRW did not provide specific case examples but referenced a broader pattern of enforcement under the current U.S. Government.
• Press Freedom: The report highlights “new threats to media freedom” in the U.S., though it does not detail specific incidents or policies targeting journalists covering the World Cup. HRW’s concerns align with broader criticisms of the Trump administration’s rhetoric toward the press.
• Protest Restrictions: HRW notes that host cities have not met “human rights commitments” related to freedom of assembly, though it does not specify which cities or what commitments were made. The report suggests that fans and activists may face obstacles if they attempt to demonstrate during the tournament.

Maja Liebing, Americas researcher for Amnesty International, echoed HRW’s concerns during a press conference in Berlin. “The landscape of rights in the U.S. Has been shaped by the policies of the Trump administration,” Liebing said, according to HRW’s release. “Visitors to the World Cup could face serious consequences simply for exercising their rights.”

FIFA’s Role Under Scrutiny

HRW’s report also criticizes FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, for its “timid response” to the potential rights violations. The organization accuses FIFA of failing to use its influence to pressure the U.S. Government or host cities to address these issues.

The relationship between FIFA and the Trump administration has been notably close. FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended Trump’s 2025 inauguration and later presented the U.S. President with a “FIFA Peace Award” in 2025, an honor created specifically for Trump with no publicly disclosed criteria. HRW’s report suggests that this proximity has undermined FIFA’s willingness to challenge U.S. Policies.

“FIFA has a responsibility to ensure that human rights are respected during its tournaments,” HRW’s release states. “So far, its response has been inadequate.”

What This Means for Fans and Teams

The 2026 World Cup is expected to draw millions of fans to the U.S., with matches scheduled in cities including Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, and Atlanta. However, HRW’s warnings could deter some international supporters, particularly those from countries with tense relations with the U.S. Or individuals with prior immigration issues.

For teams, the concerns add another layer of complexity to an already logistically challenging tournament. Players and staff from nations with large diaspora communities in the U.S. May face heightened scrutiny at border crossings, though no specific incidents have been reported yet. FIFA has not issued a public response to HRW’s report as of this writing.

Travel advisories from foreign governments could also emerge as the tournament approaches. In 2022, several countries issued warnings to LGBTQ+ travelers attending the World Cup in Qatar, citing local laws and potential discrimination. A similar dynamic could play out in 2026, with nations advising their citizens about U.S. Immigration policies.

Historical Context: World Cups and Human Rights

The 2026 World Cup is not the first to face criticism over human rights. The 2018 tournament in Russia and the 2022 edition in Qatar were both marred by controversies, including:

• Russia 2018: Concerns over racism in Russian soccer, LGBTQ+ rights, and the country’s military actions in Ukraine.
• Qatar 2022: Widespread reports of migrant worker deaths during stadium construction, anti-LGBTQ+ laws, and restrictions on press freedom.

In both cases, FIFA faced backlash for its handling of the issues, with critics arguing that the organization prioritized commercial interests over human rights. The 2026 tournament presents a new test for FIFA’s commitment to its own Human Rights Policy, adopted in 2017.

What’s Next?

HRW’s report calls on FIFA and U.S. Authorities to take immediate steps to address the concerns, including:

• Clarifying entry requirements for fans and journalists, particularly those from countries with strained U.S. Relations.
• Ensuring that host cities uphold freedom of assembly and do not impose arbitrary restrictions on protests.
• Providing clear guidance to teams, fans, and media about their rights while in the U.S.

FIFA has not yet scheduled a press conference to address the report, but Infantino is expected to speak at the 2026 World Cup preliminary draw on May 15 in Zurich. That event could provide an opportunity for the organization to respond to HRW’s criticisms.

For fans planning to attend the tournament, HRW recommends:

• Reviewing U.S. Visa and entry requirements well in advance, particularly for travelers from countries with visa restrictions.
• Carrying documentation of their World Cup tickets and accommodations to present at border crossings.
• Monitoring travel advisories from their home governments as the tournament approaches.

Key Takeaways

• Human Rights Watch warns that the 2026 World Cup in the U.S. Could be marked by “exclusion and fear” due to immigration policies and restrictions on press freedom.
• FIFA is criticized for its “timid response” to the concerns and its close relationship with the Trump administration.
• Fans, journalists, and teams may face risks related to detention, deportation, or discrimination while traveling to the U.S. For the tournament.
• No specific incidents have been reported yet, but HRW’s report raises broader concerns about the U.S. Political climate.
• FIFA has not publicly responded to the report as of April 28, 2026.

The next major checkpoint is FIFA’s preliminary draw on May 15, where President Gianni Infantino may address the concerns. For now, the 2026 World Cup’s legacy is already being shaped by debates far beyond the pitch.

What are your thoughts on HRW’s warnings? Should FIFA do more to address human rights concerns ahead of the tournament? Share your views in the comments below.