Human Rights Watch is turning up the pressure on FIFA over a constellation of human rights concerns surrounding the 2026 World Cup. The global watchdog has raised alarms about discriminatory immigration policies, unsafe conditions for marginalized groups, and the absence of basic child safeguarding measures for an event that will span three countries and attract millions of visitors.
The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the first World Cup to include formal human rights requirements in the bidding process.
Immigration enforcement takes center stage
Among HRW’s most pointed criticisms is the potential for US immigration enforcement to disrupt the tournament and endanger attendees. The organization has called for what it terms an “ICE Truce,” essentially a moratorium on immigration enforcement operations during and around World Cup events on US soil.
HRW contacted FIFA directly on May 5, 2025, laying out concerns about discriminatory immigration policies in the US and their potential impact on World Cup participants and spectators. FIFA replied on June 3, 2025, committing to work with authorities on entry rights.
