The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, is facing criticism for potentially exacerbating human rights issues in the host countries. Amnesty International warns that the tournament risks becoming a “stage for repression and a platform for authoritarian practices” due to concerns over immigration policies, press freedom, and the safety of fans and local communities. The US, which will host 78 of the 104 matches, is facing a “human rights emergency” with discriminatory immigration policies, mass detentions, and arbitrary arrests. Mexico is struggling with escalating violence and over 133,500 missing persons, while Canada faces increased homelessness displacement.
The human rights organization urges FIFA and host governments to take urgent action to protect fans, players, journalists, and workers, and to ensure the tournament is “safe, welcoming, and inclusive”. Concerns have also been raised about the presence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the event and the potential for racial profiling and surveillance of international visitors.
