Advocacy Groups Press FIFA on 2026 World Cup Inclusivity Amid Immigration Concerns

Human rights organizations are calling on FIFA to guarantee the 2026 World Cup remains welcoming and inclusive for all attendees. The groups expressed concerns that current U.S. immigration policies could create barriers for fans, media, and communities looking to participate in the tournament.

Human rights organizations are pressing FIFA to guarantee that the 2026 World Cup delivers on promises of inclusivity and safety, expressing alarm that current U.S. immigration policies and press freedom issues could compromise the tournament’s accessibility.

The Sport & Rights Alliance highlighted that FIFA’s leadership had committed to hosting a “safe, welcoming and inclusive” event through its Human Rights Framework, but noted that current political rhetoric and immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration may discourage participation from fans, media professionals, and various communities.

“Football brings the world together — but not if U.S. visa bans and mass deportation raids keep immigrants, workers, journalists, communities, and fans away,” the advocacy coalition stated in correspondence to FIFA President Gianni Infantino made public Thursday.

The upcoming World Cup will mark the first edition featuring 48 participating nations and will take place throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with competitions scheduled across 16 designated host cities.

When questioned about these concerns, White House officials emphasized the administration’s commitment to tournament success.

“President Trump is focused on making this the greatest World Cup ever while ensuring it is the safest and most secure in history,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle responded to inquiries.

The advocacy groups also called on FIFA to collaborate with hosting nations to guarantee media and fan access while ensuring the competition honors fundamental rights including freedom of expression, press liberty, and protections for workers and local populations.

“With weeks until kick-off, most of the 16 World Cup host committees still have not released the Human Rights Action Plans they are supposed to produce,” the coalition noted. “It is impossible to manage human rights risks without identifying them and putting in place systems to manage them.”