The promise of a unifying, celebratory summer for soccer fans across North America is facing a growing shadow of concern. A new report from Amnesty International warns that the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, risks becoming a “stage for repression,” citing concerns over immigration enforcement, restrictions on protest, and a deepening housing crisis. The report, titled “Humanity Must Win: Defending rights, tackling repression at the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” details a landscape where the excitement surrounding the tournament could be overshadowed by human rights violations.
The anxieties are particularly acute in the United States, where Amnesty International highlights a dramatic increase in deportations under the current administration. Steve Cockburn, Amnesty’s head of economic and social justice, stated that over 500,000 people were deported from the U.S. In 2025 – a figure he pointedly contrasted with the approximately 82,500-person capacity of MetLife Stadium, the venue for the World Cup final. This stark comparison underscores the potential for the tournament to coincide with heightened fear and insecurity for immigrant communities.
Increased Security Measures Raise Concerns
The U.S. Government is already signaling a robust security posture for the event. Last month, the acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) affirmed the agency’s central role in World Cup security, stating it was “dedicated to ensuring that everyone that visits the facilities will have a safe and secure event.” However, Amnesty International argues this focus on security could lead to discriminatory practices. The report expresses concern that fans and local communities could be subjected to ethnic and racial profiling, indiscriminate raids, and unlawful detention and deportation. These fears are not unfounded; earlier this year, ICE agents fatally shot two American citizens during an operation in Minneapolis, a case that drew widespread condemnation.
The report also points to instances of federal agents and the National Guard being deployed to major U.S. Cities – including Portland, Los Angeles, and Chicago – in response to protests over immigration policies. These deployments have faced legal challenges, raising questions about the balance between security and the right to peaceful assembly during the World Cup. Currently, only four of the 16 host cities have published human rights plans, and, according to Amnesty International, none address protection from abusive immigration enforcement.
Adding to the concerns are reports of potential surveillance measures. Amnesty International notes proposals to require visitors to provide access to their social media accounts for vetting and to undergo screening for “anti-Americanism.” These proposals have already sparked alarm among fan groups. In January, Football Supporters Europe (FSE) expressed “extreme concern” over the “ongoing militarisation of police forces in the US” ahead of the tournament, as reported by the BBC. The BBC’s reporting detailed FSE’s worries about the potential for an overly aggressive security presence.
Challenges Extend Beyond the U.S.
The human rights concerns aren’t limited to the United States. In Mexico, Amnesty International highlights the risks associated with the country’s response to high levels of drug cartel violence. Earlier this month, Mexican authorities announced plans to deploy nearly 100,000 security personnel to protect fans during the tournament. Even as intended to ensure safety, this massive deployment raises questions about the potential for increased militarization and its impact on local communities and the right to protest.
In Canada, the report focuses on a growing housing crisis and the potential for displacement of people experiencing homelessness. Amnesty International fears that, as with other major events, vulnerable populations could be pushed further to the margins in the lead-up to and during the World Cup. This echoes concerns raised during previous international sporting events, where efforts to “beautify” host cities often result in the displacement of unhoused individuals.
FIFA has stated that the safety and security of fans and participants is its “top priority” and that it is working closely with local authorities to develop comprehensive security measures. The White House’s World Cup Task Force has also pledged to deliver “the largest, safest, and most welcoming sporting event in history,” promising a “smooth, secure, and truly unforgettable tournament.” However, Amnesty International argues that these assurances are insufficient without concrete guarantees to protect human rights.
What’s at Stake?
The concerns raised by Amnesty International aren’t simply about preventing isolated incidents; they speak to a broader question of whether the World Cup can truly live up to its promise of unity and celebration when fundamental rights are at risk. The report argues that the tournament is no longer a “medium risk” event, and that urgent action is needed to ensure that the reality of the 2026 World Cup aligns with its aspirational goals. The stakes are high, not just for the millions of fans who will travel to North America, but for the communities that will host the games and for the reputation of FIFA itself.
The report urges FIFA, national football associations, and sponsors to take responsibility for respecting human rights throughout the tournament. It calls for guarantees against discriminatory enforcement, protection of the right to protest, and measures to address the housing crisis in host cities. Without these safeguards, the 2026 World Cup risks becoming a symbol of repression rather than a celebration of the beautiful game.
The next key development will be the publication of comprehensive human rights plans by all 16 host cities. FIFA has also been asked for comment on the Amnesty International report and is expected to respond in the coming weeks. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the 2026 World Cup can truly be a tournament for all.
What are your thoughts on the potential human rights implications of the 2026 World Cup? Share your comments below, and let’s continue the conversation.
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