Advocacy groups issued a travel advisory on Thursday, warning that visitors traveling to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup could face arbitrary detention, deportation, and other human rights abuses. The advisory, signed by dozens of organizations including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the NAACP, comes less than two months before the tournament kicks off in Mexico.
Context of Immigration Crackdown
The warning arrives amid widespread immigration enforcement by the Trump administration and the erosion of federal protections for racial minorities and LGBTQ individuals. The advisory states that fans, players, journalists, and other visitors may encounter racial profiling, searches of electronic devices, or cruel and inhuman treatment if placed in immigration detention facilities.
Vulnerable Groups
The groups highlighted that people from immigrant communities, racial and ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ individuals are “most vulnerable to serious harm” when traveling to the U.S. They urged visitors to exercise caution and have an emergency contingency plan.
Pressure on FIFA
The ACLU emphasized that “FIFA has unique leverage right now to pressure the U.S. government to respect the fundamental human rights of every person visiting and attending the games, as well as those working and living in the 11 U.S. host cities.” The ACLU and other members of the Dignity 2026 Coalition have urged FIFA to act, but the organization has yet to provide meaningful assurances.
The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
FIFA's Response
In a statement, FIFA said: “As per article 3 of the FIFA Statutes, FIFA is committed to respecting all internationally recognized human rights and shall strive to promote the protection of these rights.” It cited several actions and a special rights advisory group as evidence of its commitment to human rights across all key activities connected to the tournament.
Amnesty International's Concerns
Thursday’s warnings follow a March statement from Amnesty International that the tournament is drifting far from the “safe, free and inclusive” event originally promised by FIFA.
The 2026 World Cup will feature 104 matches across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, starting in June. Eleven U.S. cities will host matches, including East Rutherford, New Jersey, just outside New York, where the championship match will be held.
