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CPJ urges heightened awareness for journalists traveling to US for FIFA World Cup 

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CPJ urges heightened awareness for journalists traveling to US for FIFA World Cup 

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May 21, 2026, New York, NY — The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has advised journalists traveling throughout the United States for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup may face questioning or hostility from immigration officials at the border or around venues. 

The World Cup spans games across cities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026. CPJ, a press freedom organization that works globally, has published resources for journalists reporting on the World Cup from this year’s host countries, including a travel advisory and legal rights guide. 

FIFA has accredited an estimated 50,000 journalists and media workers to cover the games. The majority of World Cup matches will be held in the U.S. where in recent months there have been cases of journalists being arrested, detained, and deported in relation to their work.

“Based on the experiences of recent months in the United States, journalists traveling to the United States need to know that their press credentials won’t necessarily protect them at the border or when out reporting,” said CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg. “We’ve seen immigration enforcement used as a tool to silence reporting, with authorities detaining, denying entry to, or deporting journalists not because of any crime, but because of their journalism.”

International journalists, commentators, and writers traveling to the U.S. have previously been denied entry at the border and had visas revoked under the current administration. CPJ urges reporters to complete a risk assessment, identify emergency contacts, develop a check-in procedure and keep those contacts on paper in case devices are confiscated. Reporters have also been assaulted by officials while covering protests in the United States.

Journalists should prepare for possible additional screening at the border. Failure to comply with a request from a border guard could result in devices being seized and, depending on the journalist’s immigration status, delays or denial of entry. 

In Mexico, journalists covering stories of corruption or human rights around the World Cup may face harassment, threats, or physical violence. Attacks on journalists covering the World Cup may be especially acute for those of marginalized genders. In Canada, there have been cases of journalists stopped at the border and, very rarely, arrests of reporters covering protests. 

To access safety information while reporting, journalists can text CPJ’s safety chatbot on WhatsApp by messaging “hello” to +1-206-590-6191 and selecting from a menu of safety topics. 

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About the Committee to Protect Journalists

The Committee to Protect Journalists is an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes press freedom worldwide. We defend the right of journalists to report the news safely and without fear of reprisal.

Media contact: [email protected]

Note to journalists needing advice:
Journalists seeking emergency assistance or safety advice can email CPJ at [email protected]. They will be asked to provide information about their circumstances, needs, and work as a journalist. All information is confidential but may be shared with a small network of trusted partners for vetting purposes.

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