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A coalition of more than 80 civil rights and labor organizations has called on FIFA to take a public stand on the United States’ immigration policies, raising alarms over potential risks for foreign fans and visitors attending the 2026 Men’s World Cup.
In a joint letter sent to FIFA President Gianni Infantino on July 1, the groups expressed “deep concern” about what they described as a worsening human rights climate in the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s administration. The letter, which was first reported by The Athletic, references controversial executive actions, including travel bans targeting multiple countries and intensified Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in areas that will host tournament matches.
"If FIFA continues to stay silent, not only will millions be placed at risk, but the FIFA brand will also be used as a public relations tool to whitewash the reputation of an increasingly authoritarian government," the letter warned.
Signatories of the letter include major organizations such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the NAACP, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), along with several grassroots soccer fan groups from across the country. They are urging FIFA to leverage its global platform to pressure the U.S. government into protecting the rights of international attendees.
The letter stated: “Since the inauguration of President Trump in January 2025, the U.S. government has issued a series of repressive executive orders and enacted policy changes that violate both U.S. and international human rights law. These actions pose a serious threat to individuals – particularly non-citizens – traveling to or residing in the United States, including the estimated 1.5m foreign visitors attending this summer’s Club World Cup and 2.6m visitors projected to attend next summer’s Men’s World Cup. Increased immigration enforcement actions, abusive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, and broader border restrictions have also contributed to widespread fear and uncertainty.”
Concerns also extended to the treatment of migrants within the U.S., with the organizations condemning conditions in detention centers as “cruel” and “inhuman.” They emphasized the potential consequences for those with dissenting political views, warning that individuals critical of the administration could face denial of entry, detention, or deportation.
FIFA has not issued an official response to the letter as of yet. However, Infantino has previously attempted to reassure the global football community about the U.S.'s readiness to welcome foreign guests. "The world is welcome in America," he said during a press event on May 15. "Of course, the players, of course, everyone involved, all of us, but definitely also all the fans."
The Trump administration has similarly maintained that visitors will be welcomed, but with firm conditions regarding visa compliance. "I know we'll have visitors probably from close to 100 countries," Vice President J.D. Vance said in May. "We want them to come, we want them to celebrate, we want them to watch the game(s). But when the time is up, they'll have to go home, otherwise they will have to talk to (U.S. Homeland Security) Secretary (Kristi) Noem."
The signatories also include organizations based in key World Cup host states and cities such as New York, Florida, Georgia, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia.
With just under a year to go before the tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026, pressure is mounting on FIFA to address the implications of hosting one of the world’s most prominent sporting events in the midst of a contentious political climate.
Featured Image Credit: X/ @WhiteHouse
