ACLU Joins Coalition Calling For FIFA to Uphold Human Rights Ahead 2026 World Cup

Over 120 Civil Society Groups Issue Travel Advisory for U.S. Ahead of FIFA World Cup

NEW YORK — More than 120 civil society groups issued a travel advisory today warning that fans, players, journalists and other visitors traveling for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup could be at risk of serious rights violations as the Trump administration doubles down on its draconian immigration and anti-human rights agenda.
In their advisory, the groups state that, in the absence of meaningful action from FIFA, host cities or the Trump administration, people traveling to the United States and domestically could be at risk of:

Arbitrary denial of entry and risk of arrest, detention and/or deportation
Expanded restrictions and limitation on travel and entry to the U.S.
Invasive social media screening and searches of electronic devices
Violent and unconstitutional immigration enforcement, including racial profiling
Suppression of speech and protest and increased surveillance
Cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment – and even death – while in ICE detention or custody

The advisory also encourages travelers, including thousands of journalists expected to cover the games, to take steps to protect themselves, such as securing electronic devices by removing facial recognition capabilities when traveling; alerting family, friends or trusted colleagues of plans to travel to and within the U.S.; and consulting other “Know Your Rights” resources.
The 2026 World Cup, which will be held between June 11 and July 19, could bring as many as 10 million visitors to 11 U.S. cities this summer, making it the largest sporting event in history. In February 2026 – just days after ICE agents shot and killed Nicole Good in Minneapolis – ICE said agents would play a “key part” in the security at this summer’s tournament, raising concerns of potential ICE violence and increased enforcement activity in host cities.
Quotes from signatories are as follows:
“FIFA has been paying lip service to human rights while cozying up with the Trump administration, putting millions of people at risk of being harmed and their basic rights violated,” said Jamil Dakwar, ACLU human rights program director. “The Trump administration’s abusive actions continue to threaten our communities, tourists, and fans alike – and it’s past time that FIFA use its leverage to push for meaningful policy changes and binding assurances that will make people feel safe to travel and enjoy the games.”
“The specter of immigration enforcement this summer has become the leading concern among grassroots organizations across host cities. Irrespective of their focus area – housing, labor, immigration – this issue has become a galvanizing topic. With less than two months to go, we are still waiting for public commitments from FIFA and host city organizers about plans to protect residents, workers, and visitors. The silence has been deafening,” said Jennifer Li, who leads Dignity 2026, a national coalition working with grassroots groups in host cities, which counts multiple signatories among its members.
“We are excited for fellow supporters to experience the World Cup and our North American soccer culture, but there are still too many unknowns across host cities. This advisory is about urging caution so that fans can arrive prepared, stay safe, and avoid preventable issues that could also place a strain on local communities and resources,” said Bailey Brown, President of the Independent Supporters Council North America.
“Fans, journalists and others traveling to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup risk encountering a deeply troubling human rights landscape, shaped by the Trump administration’s racist immigration policies, mass detention and deportation, and attacks on freedom of expression and peaceful protest,” said Daniel Noroña, Americas Advocacy Director with Amnesty International USA. “If the U.S. government and host cities cannot guarantee the rights and safety of all, this tournament risks falling far short of FIFA’s promise of a safe, welcoming, and inclusive event, for traveling fans, journalists, players and people already living in the U.S. alike.”
The full travel advisory is available here: https://www.aclu.org/documents/2026-world-cup-travel-advisory