Amnesty International warns that the United States confronts a “human rights emergency” ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presenting a “chilling threat” to fans and players alike.
Threats to Fans and Freedom in Host Nations
The organization’s report, titled “Humanity Must Win: Defending rights, tackling repression at the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” highlights severe restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful protest across the three host countries—United States, Mexico, and Canada. These issues undermine FIFA’s pledge for a “safe, welcoming and inclusive” event.
The report primarily examines U.S. anti-immigration policies, given that most matches occur there. It details discriminatory immigration measures, mass detentions, and arbitrary arrests by masked, armed agents from ICE, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other agencies.
Immigration Risks for Attendees
Immigrant communities risk encounters with enforcement during travel or gatherings for games. Only four of the 16 host cities have released human rights plans, and none address immigration protections. Dallas, Houston, and Miami have entered agreements enabling local law enforcement to work with ICE.
Fans from Côte d’Ivoire, Haiti, Iran, and Senegal cannot enter the U.S. without visas obtained before January 1, 2026, due to travel bans. Others face intrusive surveillance, including proposals to vet social media for “anti-Americanism.”
“Despite the astounding numbers of arrests and deportations, neither FIFA nor the U.S. 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,” stated Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s Head of Economic and Social Justice.
Cockburn noted that the U.S. deported over 500,000 people in 2025—more than six times the capacity of MetLife Stadium for the World Cup final. He added: “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 U.S., which will certainly extend to fans who want to take part in World Cup celebrations.”
Security Concerns in Mexico and Canada
Mexico deploys 100,000 security personnel, including military, amid high violence levels, heightening risks for protesters. Women activists plan a peaceful demonstration at the opening match in Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, demanding justice for disappeared loved ones.
In Canada, fears grow over displacement of homeless individuals, echoing the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Toronto authorities shut a winter warming center on March 15 for FIFA preparations.
Protest Repression Risks
World Cups often spark protests, especially amid global conflicts like those in the Gulf and Israel-Palestine. All host nations impose limits on expression and assembly. The U.S. targets foreign-born students protesting Gaza actions, with some U.S. citizens killed by federal agents during immigration enforcement protests. Canadian police have dispersed Gaza demonstrations, while Mexico sees unrest over water shortages, land access, rising costs, and gentrification from infrastructure.
Amnesty International calls for urgent action to ensure FIFA’s vision of a tournament where everyone “feels safe, included, and free to exercise their rights.”
