Over 120 Human Rights Organizations Warn 2026 World Cup Participants About Travel to the United States

More than 120 American human rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have issued a formal travel warning urging fans, players, journalists, and visitors to exercise caution when traveling to the United States for the 2026 World Cup. The warning was prompted by what the organizations described as a violent and abusive immigration crackdown under the current administration and a rise in authoritarianism, which puts participants in the tournament – co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico – at risk of having their fundamental rights violated.

The human rights bodies detailed that the risks include arbitrary denial of entry, arrest, detention, deportation, intrusive social media screening, and potential harsh treatment by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The organizations issuing the warning affirmed that “the rise of authoritarianism and increasing violence under the Trump administration poses serious risks to everyone,” noting that these measures specifically target minorities, raising widespread concern about the safety of foreign delegations participating in the global sporting event.

These groups urged the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to pressure U.S. authorities to ensure the protection of visitors' rights. FIFA responded by stating it is “committed to respecting all internationally recognized human rights and will strive to promote the protection of these rights.” However, despite FIFA launching expedited procedures for visa applications, the federation clarified that this process does not guarantee their acquisition, especially with ongoing travel bans currently imposed on citizens of four participating countries: Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast.

Jamil Dakwar, Director of Human Rights at the ACLU, called for decisive intervention from the global football body, stating, “It is time for FIFA to use its leverage to demand concrete policy changes and firm guarantees, so that people feel safe while traveling and during matches.” These warnings come as the United States prepares to host 78 of the 104 scheduled matches in the tournament, amid official confirmations that ICE agents will be part of the tournament’s security system.