Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged FIFA to press the U.S. government to establish an 'ICE Truce' for the 2026 World Cup, including a public guarantee from federal authorities to refrain from immigration enforcement operations at games and venues. The report, published on Monday, highlights concerns over the hardline immigration crackdown pursued by the Trump administration.
Background on the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup, the first edition to feature 48 teams, will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The tournament is expected to attract millions of fans from around the world.
Human Rights Concerns
Rights groups have condemned the Trump administration's immigration enforcement, led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), saying it has led to violations of free speech and due process rights, creating an unsafe environment, particularly for minorities. Trump has defended his actions as necessary for domestic security and curbing illegal immigration.
HRW stated, 'FIFA needs to act urgently to address the risks of human rights abuses for athletes, fans, and workers. One concrete thing it should do is work to persuade the Trump administration to establish an ICE Truce.' The organization called on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to use his leverage to demand that the administration 'roll back discriminatory travel bans, refrain from abusive immigration enforcement operations in and around World Cup venues, protect children’s rights and commit to uphold freedom of assembly and speech.'
The Olympic Truce Precedent
The idea is drawn from the 'Olympic Truce,' a tradition dating back to ancient Greece, when warring city-states paused hostilities so athletes and spectators could travel safely to the Games.
White House Response
White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Reuters, 'The FIFA 2026 World Cup will no doubt be one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history of mankind, attracting millions of fans from around the world to 11 host cities across America. This will be a monumental event that requires close coordination between the Trump Administration, FIFA, and all of our great federal, state, and local partners. President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but also the safest and most secure in history - and no amount of ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media will change that.'
Travel Advisory and Amnesty International Warning
Concerns intensified on Thursday when advocacy groups issued a travel advisory warning that visitors traveling to the U.S. for the World Cup may face arbitrary detention or deportation, among other human rights abuses. Fans, players, journalists, and other visitors may face racial profiling, searches of electronic devices, or risk of cruel or inhuman treatment if they end up in immigration detention facilities. This followed a March statement from Amnesty International that the tournament is drifting far from the 'safe, free and inclusive' event promised by FIFA.
DHS Statement
A DHS spokesperson told Reuters, 'DHS will work with our local and federal partners to secure 2026 FIFA World Cup — in line with federal law and the U.S. Constitution — as we do with every major sporting event, while showcasing American greatness to the entire world. Our mission is simple: ensure every fan – Americans and visitors alike – has a safe and unforgettable experience. International visitors who legally come to the United States for the World Cup have nothing to worry about. What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is whether or not they are illegally in the U.S.— full stop. Speculation to the contrary is ill-informed. At the same time, foreign visitors MUST be proactive and should start working on their travel plans and documents well ahead of time to ensure a smooth travel experience.'
FIFA's Peace Prize Controversy
HRW also revealed it had written to Infantino requesting details about the nominees, judges, terms of reference, and selection process for FIFA’s inaugural peace prize. Trump was awarded the prize in December for what world soccer’s global governing body said were his efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in trouble hotspots around the world. 'By concocting this award, Infantino risks turning the 2026 FIFA World Cup... into yet another sportswashing event in a world that already has far too many,' HRW added. Reuters has contacted FIFA for comment.
