Human rights experts are warning of potential threats to immigrant communities, foreign visitors, and journalists ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The tournament, which will feature 104 games across 16 venues in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19. With the event less than a year away, concerns have been raised about FIFA’s commitment to upholding human rights, particularly in light of increased immigration enforcement in the US.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first to be hosted by three countries, with 78 games taking place in 11 NFL stadiums in the US, and 13 games each in Mexico and Canada. The final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which will also feature a halftime show for the first time. However, human rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the NAACP, Amnesty International, and Reporters Without Borders, have expressed concerns about the potential risks faced by vulnerable groups, including migrant workers, immigrants, and journalists.

According to Jamil Dakwar, Director of the ACLU’s Human Rights Program, “Without action today, FIFA risks becoming a stage for authoritarianism.” Dakwar and other human rights officials have sent a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighting their concerns, but have yet to receive a response. The group is calling on FIFA to take concrete steps to protect human rights, including ensuring the safety of journalists and preventing the arrest of migrant workers and immigrants.

Press freedom is also a major concern, with Clayton Weimers, Executive Director of Reporters Without Borders USA, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that journalists have access to the tournament and are able to report freely without fear of reprisal. “People all around the world who are not able to come are going to rely on journalists to tell a complete and contextualized story of this tournament,” Weimers said.

FIFA has outlined guidelines for the 2026 World Cup, including measures to prevent discrimination, trafficking, and protect workers’ rights. However, human rights advocates remain skeptical, citing the organization’s track record on human rights in previous tournaments, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where migrant workers faced harsh conditions and exploitation. With the 2026 World Cup just months away, human rights experts are urging FIFA to take concrete action to address their concerns and ensure that the tournament is a success for all participants.