Advocacy Groups Warn U.S. Immigration Policies Could Affect 2026 World Cup Attendance

Advocacy Groups Warn U.S. Immigration Policies Could Affect 2026 World Cup Attendance 

By Admin 

Human rights organisations have called on FIFA to ensure that the 2026 FIFA World Cup meets its commitments to inclusivity and safety, warning that U.S. immigration policies and concerns over press freedom could affect the atmosphere surrounding the tournament, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In a letter released on Thursday, the Sport & Rights Alliance, a coalition of international advocacy groups, urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to uphold the organisation’s Human Rights Framework, which promises a “safe, welcoming and inclusive” competition.

The coalition argued that recent rhetoric and immigration measures under U.S. President Donald Trump risk creating anxiety among fans, journalists, migrant workers and local communities who plan to attend or cover the event.

“Football brings the world together — but not if U.S. visa bans and mass deportation raids keep immigrants, workers, journalists, communities and fans away,” the groups said in the letter.

The 2026 World Cup — the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams — will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with matches scheduled across 16 host cities in the three countries.

Responding to the concerns, the White House said the administration remained focused on delivering a successful tournament.

“President Trump is focused on making this the greatest World Cup ever while ensuring it is the safest and most secure in history,” White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said in a statement.

The Sport & Rights Alliance also called on FIFA to work closely with host governments to guarantee access for fans and media, while ensuring that fundamental rights — including freedom of expression, press freedom and protections for workers and local communities — are respected throughout the tournament.

The coalition noted that several host city committees have yet to publish their required Human Rights Action Plans, which are intended to identify and address potential rights risks connected to the event.

“With weeks until kick-off, most of the 16 World Cup host committees still have not released the Human Rights Action Plans they are supposed to produce,” the group said. “It is impossible to manage human rights risks without identifying them and putting in place systems to manage them.”