Khaberni - Human Rights Watch warned on Monday that the 2026 World Cup this summer may be dominated by an atmosphere of "exclusion and fear" as a result of crackdowns on immigration, demonstrations, and press freedom in the United States.
The NGO said in a statement to journalists that the World Cup finals are at risk of becoming "a platform for repressive policies targeting immigrants and visitors, highlighting racism, exclusion, fear, and discrimination."
Human Rights Watch warned of what it described as "an increasing authoritarian trend and a regression in human rights in the United States."
The organization added that the return of President Donald Trump to power has led to "an increase in threats to press freedom, the rights of peaceful protesters, and community security."
The global soccer event will be held from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where 78 out of 104 matches will take place in the United States.
Human Rights Accuses FIFA of "Weak Response"
Maya Leibing, head of the Americas section at Amnesty International in Germany, during a press conference about the Human Rights Watch document, said "Fans, journalists, and others traveling to the United States are at risk of arrest, deportation, or discrimination under the rights scenario shaped by President Donald Trump's administration policies."
The document accused FIFA of a "weak response" to what it described as "Trump's arbitrary policies."
Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, has close relations with Trump, and the international organization granted him the "FIFA Peace Award" last year.
There have been increased concerns among fans amid ongoing operations by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement targeting illegal immigrants.
According to Human Rights Watch, citing U.S. statistics, at least 167,000 people have been arrested between January 2025 and March of this year in the eleven cities where World Cup matches will be held and its surroundings.
During last year's FIFA Club World Cup, which serves as a rehearsal for the main tournament, an asylum seeker who brought his children to the final in New Jersey was detained, separated from them, and then deported, according to a non-governmental organization.
Four countries participating in the finals, namely Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, may have to play without their fans' support due to the U.S. travel ban affecting their citizens.
