Amnesty International has published a 36-page report warning that the 2026 FIFA World Cup — hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico — could pose serious human rights risks for fans, players, journalists, workers and local communities.
The report, titled “Humanity Must Win: Defending Rights, Tackling Repression at the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” singles out the United States for the strongest criticism, calling the situation there a “human rights emergency” and pointing to what it describes as a “recognizable pattern of authoritarian practices.” Amnesty highlights actions by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), saying armed agents have broken down doors, detained children and deported hundreds of thousands of people; it cites a New York Times estimate that more than 500,000 people were deported from the United States in 2025. The report also notes ICE deployments in states such as Minnesota, where a deadly shooting in January killed two US citizens amid enforcement operations.
Amnesty says LGBTQI+ fan groups feel unsafe being visibly present at World Cup events, and that supporters from four qualifying nations face entry bans or travel restrictions. According to Congress.gov, the report notes, citizens of Haiti and Iran face complete bans on entering the United States, while Ivory Coast and Senegal are subject to partial restrictions. The report also raises doubts about Iran’s participation amid wider geopolitical tensions.
Canada and Mexico, which will each host 13 matches, receive criticism as well. In Mexico, authorities have mobilized around 100,000 security personnel, including the military, to respond to high levels of violence. Amnesty flags plans for a peaceful protest by a women’s group outside the opening match at Azteca Stadium seeking answers about more than 133,000 people listed as disappeared. In Canada, the report warns the tournament could further marginalize homeless people in host cities such as Vancouver and Toronto and documents restrictions on the right to peaceful assembly, citing the dispersal of demonstrations supporting Palestinian human rights and student encampments calling for divestment.
“The 2026 World Cup threatens to deliver more repression than football. Anyone who protests or expresses criticism must expect repression at the World Cup,” said Julia Duchrow, Secretary General of Amnesty International in Germany. She urged FIFA and the host countries to present binding safeguarding mechanisms so all participants can enjoy the World Cup without fear or exclusion.
Many of the concerns raised echo calls from the Sport & Rights Alliance ahead of last December’s World Cup draw, which urged “concrete protections for workers, athletes, fans, journalists, and children.” FIFA has not issued a specific response to Amnesty’s report; its statutes commit the organization to respecting internationally recognized human rights, and in 2025 FIFA president Gianni Infantino said, “Everyone will be welcome in Canada, Mexico and the United States for the FIFA World Cup next year.” Edited by: Andreas Illmer