World Cup Dates and Overview
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place from 11 June to 19 July.
Amnesty International's Concerns
Human rights organisation Amnesty International has issued a report warning that the 2026 World Cup risks becoming "a stage for repression and a platform for authoritarian practices." The report outlines significant risks to fans, players, journalists, workers, and local communities in the tournament's three co-host countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Amnesty highlights "troubling attacks on human rights" and identifies the "starkest threat" to visitors as "the machine of abusive, discriminatory and deadly immigration enforcement and mass detention in the USA." The organisation further warns that "severe restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful protest" endanger the "safe, welcoming and inclusive" event promised by FIFA, the world football governing body.
Tournament Hosting Details
The United States is set to host 78 matches across 11 cities, while Canada and Mexico will each host 13 matches.
Amnesty Report and Calls to Action
In its 36-page report titled Humanity Must Win: Defending rights, tackling repression at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Amnesty calls on the governments of the host countries to "meet their obligations under international human rights law," while also urging FIFA, national football associations, and sponsors to uphold their responsibilities to respect human rights.
"The US government has deported more than 500,000 people from the USA in 2025, more than six times as many people than will watch the World Cup final in the MetLife Stadium," said Amnesty's head of economic and social justice, Steve Cockburn.
"…It's a deeply troubling time in the US, which will certainly extend to fans who want to take part in World Cup celebrations."
US Immigration Enforcement and Security Measures
Last month, the acting head of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stated that the agency is "a key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup," pledging dedication to ensuring a "safe and secure event" for all visitors.
Earlier this year, ICE agents fatally shot two American citizens during immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis amid President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration. Over the past year, federal agents and the National Guard have been deployed to major US cities to enforce immigration laws, actions that have sparked protests and legal challenges in Democrat-led cities including Portland, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
"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," said Cockburn.
"Only four of the 16 host cities have so far published their human rights plans, and none of those that have done so to date say anything about protection from abusive immigration enforcement.
This World Cup is no longer the 'medium risk' tournament that FIFA once judged it to be - whether it is to protect people from ICE, guarantee the right to protest or prevent homelessness, urgent action is needed to make sure the reality of this World Cup matches its original promise."
Surveillance and Fan Concerns
Amnesty warns that ICE and other agencies "pose a chilling threat to people living in the US, those traveling to see a game, and players themselves." The organisation notes that fans may face intrusive surveillance, including proposals requiring visitors to provide access to their social media accounts for vetting and screening for "anti-Americanism."
In January, fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) expressed to its "extreme concern" over the ongoing militarisation of police forces in the US ahead of the World Cup.
FIFA responded by stating that the safety and security of fans and participants is its "top priority," and that it works closely with local authorities to plan, coordinate, and implement comprehensive security measures for the tournament.
Official Statements from US Authorities
The White House's World Cup Task Force described the tournament as set to be "the largest, safest, and most welcoming sporting event in history." It affirmed efforts to deliver an event that showcases "America's hospitality, commitment to security, and spirit of excellence," promising fans "a smooth, secure, and truly unforgettable tournament."
Concerns in Mexico and Canada
Amnesty draws attention to Mexico's response to high levels of drug cartel violence, which it says is "raising risks for people protesting." Earlier in June, Mexico announced plans to deploy nearly 100,000 security personnel to protect fans during the tournament.
In Canada, the organisation highlights a growing housing crisis that has "raised fears that people experiencing homelessness will again be displaced and pushed further to the margins."
FIFA's Position
FIFA has been approached for comment regarding the concerns raised by Amnesty International.
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