Rights Groups Press FIFA Over U.S. Immigration Risks to 2026 World Cup

More than 80 U.S. and international civil-rights and labor organisations have urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to press the Trump administration to shield players, fans and immigrant communities from stepped-up immigration enforcement ahead of the 2026 World Cup, most of which will be staged in the United States. In a letter dated 1 July and first reported by The Athletic, groups including the American Civil Liberties Union, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the NAACP expressed “deep concern” that Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids and a June executive order barring travellers from 12 countries could deter millions of visitors and endanger residents in the 11 U.S. host cities. The signatories warned that FIFA risks becoming “a public-relations tool to whitewash” the policies unless it secures guarantees of safe access to stadiums and surrounding areas free of federal immigration agents. The 48-nation tournament is scheduled for 11 June to 19 July 2026 and will be co-hosted by Canada and Mexico, but the bulk of matches—including the final—are slated for U.S. venues. FIFA has not commented publicly on the letter. President Donald Trump and Vice-President J.D. Vance have said foreign fans are welcome provided they leave the country when their visas expire.