Amnesty International has warned that human rights risks at the 2026 World Cup could affect millions of fans, raising concerns about safety, freedom, and inclusivity ahead of the tournament.
With just weeks to go before kickoff on June 11, the rights group says the event may fall short of FIFA’s earlier promise of a “safe, free and inclusive” World Cup.
The United States, set to host the majority of matches, is described by Amnesty as facing a “human rights emergency.” The group highlighted issues such as mass deportations, strict immigration enforcement, and limits on public protests.
Amnesty reported that more than 500,000 people were deported from the US last year. It warned that ongoing enforcement actions by agencies like ICE could affect fans attending matches or participating in celebrations.
“We need clear assurances there will be no ICE presence around venues,” said Steve Cockburn of Amnesty. Amnesty has urged FIFA to use its influence to secure guarantees from US authorities. These include ensuring no immigration enforcement occurs near stadiums, fan zones, or public gatherings.
The organisation also called for protections for LGBTQ+ fans and the removal of travel bans affecting supporters from several countries, including Senegal, the Ivory Coast, Haiti, and Iran.
Human rights concerns are not limited to the US. In Mexico, authorities plan to deploy around 100,000 security personnel, including 20,000 troops. Amnesty warned that such heavy militarisation could lead to abuses and restrict peaceful protests.
The country has a history of human rights violations linked to military operations, including enforced disappearances and torture.
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Local protests are already underway over issues such as housing displacement and water shortages tied to World Cup preparations. In Canada, Amnesty raised concerns that preparations for the tournament could worsen conditions for homeless populations.
The organisation stressed the need for host nations to protect vulnerable communities as they prepare for the global event. Amnesty is calling on FIFA and host governments to ensure the tournament upholds human rights standards.
As the World Cup approaches, scrutiny is increasing over whether the event can meet expectations for safety, inclusivity, and fairness.
