Over 120 civil society organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union and Amnesty International, have issued a "travel advisory" for international visitors heading to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The warning, released Thursday, highlights what the groups describe as a "deteriorating human rights situation" and a lack of clear protections for millions expected to attend the global event. "FIFA has been paying lip service to human rights while cosying up with the Trump administration," Jamil Dakwar, ACLU human rights programme director, told Al Jazeera.
The unprecedented advisory comes as an estimated 5 to 10 million international visitors are expected to travel to the U.S. for the tournament, co-hosted with Mexico and Canada. These groups contend that, without "meaningful action and concrete guarantees" from FIFA, host cities, or the U.S. government, attendees face significant risks. These concerns are rooted deeply in the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies, which have been consistently tightened since January 2025.
One primary area of concern detailed in the advisory involves the "arbitrary denial of entry and risk of arrest, detention or deportation of non-US nationals" at ports of entry. Customs and Border Protection agents wield extensive authority. They possess "broad discretion to admit, detain, or deny entry" to individuals, often without requiring specific justification.
This power extends to "invasive social media screening," where travelers' digital footprints are scrutinized, a practice that can feel like an invasion of privacy for many. What this actually means for your family, particularly those with connections to countries under scrutiny, is that a vacation could turn into an interrogation. Beyond the initial entry, the groups pointed to "expanded restrictions and limitations on travel and entry into the United States." Currently, 39 nations are subject to wide-ranging U.S. travel bans.
While some exceptions exist, they are often narrow and difficult to navigate. Two teams slated to compete in the World Cup, Iran and Haiti, face bans on all immigrant and non-immigrant visas, according to data from the American Immigration Council. Ivory Coast and Senegal, also qualifying nations, contend with partial restrictions.
For citizens of 50 countries, including Algeria, Cape Verde, and Tunisia, the Trump administration's "Visa Bond Program" requires a $15,000 bond before travel to the U.S. can even begin. This is a substantial financial barrier for many, effectively blocking access for working-class fans. President Trump himself has publicly questioned the safety of Iran’s team competing in the U.S., despite maintaining the players remained "welcome" amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
The Financial Times reported Thursday that a U.S. envoy had even requested FIFA replace Iran with Italy. FIFA has not confirmed this request, but the organization has previously affirmed Iran's right to participate. This diplomatic maneuvering highlights the political tensions surrounding the sporting event, and it shows that the policy says one thing, but the political reality says another.
Once inside the U.S., visitors could still encounter immigration enforcement agents. While the specific role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the World Cup remains largely unclarified, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons stated in February that the agency would play a "key part" in security efforts. Markwayne Mullin, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, posted on X Wednesday that the department would be "working alongside the task force and @FIFAcom to ensure all US-based matches are safe and secure." These statements, though framed around security, raise alarms for human rights advocates.
The civil society groups specifically warned of "violent and unconstitutional immigration enforcement, including racial profiling and other discrimination by law enforcement." Since January 2025, when President Trump took office, immigration agents have conducted enforcement surges across numerous U.S. cities. Rights groups and even some local law enforcement agencies have characterized these operations as "dragnet" tactics. They often appear to target individuals based on their perceived race or ethnicity rather than specific intelligence.
This approach can ensnare anyone who looks "different," regardless of their legal status or purpose for visiting. These enforcement actions have not been without serious consequences. Immigration agents have been involved in dozens of shootings since Trump took office, including the killings of protestors Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis in January.
Such incidents create a climate of fear, especially for communities of color and for visitors who might not understand their rights within the U.S. legal system. Another significant concern involves the "suppression of speech and protest and increased surveillance." Non-citizens, including permanent residents, have reportedly been targeted for expressing "political opinions that diverge from those of the current administration." This includes specific instances where individuals faced scrutiny for "activism in support of Palestinian rights," a group that includes several high-profile student advocates. For a visitor coming to enjoy a soccer match, the idea that expressing an opinion could lead to serious repercussions is a chilling prospect.
It undermines the very notion of free expression many associate with democratic societies. Finally, the advisory cautioned over conditions within U.S. immigration detention facilities. The groups warned of "serious risk of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, and in some cases, death." Several reports document 32 deaths in ICE custody during 2025, marking it as the deadliest year in over two decades.
So far in 2026, at least 14 people have died in ICE custody, according to multiple reports. These numbers tell the story. For anyone detained, even briefly, the facilities present a stark reality.
Jennifer Li, who leads Dignity 2026, a national coalition collaborating with grassroots groups in host cities, expressed frustration. "We are still waiting for public commitments from FIFA and host city organisers about plans to protect residents, workers, and visitors," Li said. "The silence has been deafening." This lack of clear assurances from organizers adds to the anxiety. The White House, through spokesperson Davis Ingle, dismissed these concerns. FIFA, for its part, has maintained a commitment to human rights.
A FIFA spokesperson told Al Jazeera that, according to its statutes, the organization "is committed to respecting all internationally recognised human rights." The spokesperson cited several human rights strategies and frameworks developed for the 2026 World Cup as "evidence of FIFA’s commitment." However, human rights advocates argue that these frameworks are insufficient without binding assurances. Daniel Norona, Americas advocacy director with Amnesty International USA, placed direct pressure on FIFA. "If the US government and host cities cannot guarantee the rights and safety of all, this tournament risks falling far short of FIFA’s promise," Norona stated. The economic toll extends beyond individual visitors facing entry issues.
Small businesses, hotels, and restaurants, many of them family-owned, rely on the influx of international tourism. Reduced attendance could mean lost revenue and fewer jobs for working families who depend on the World Cup boom. This is not just about abstract policy; it is about livelihoods.
Why It Matters: This travel advisory isn't just bureaucratic noise; it cuts to the core of what it means to visit the United States, especially for those from countries already targeted by its restrictive policies. For a family planning a trip from, say, Mexico City or Bogota, this means understanding that the simple act of cheering on their national team could expose them to risks previously unimaginable for a major international event. The policy says one thing about welcoming visitors, but the reality of aggressive immigration enforcement could easily sweep up tourists, journalists, and even players.
It forces a stark choice between supporting their team and ensuring their safety and freedom. This situation has significant implications for how the U.S. is perceived globally, and whether its human rights record aligns with its stated values, particularly when hosting an event that prides itself on global unity. To mitigate risks, the civil society groups recommended several precautions for attendees.
These include securing electronic devices, which means backing up data and traveling with minimal personal information on phones or laptops. They also suggest downloading apps that can immediately notify emergency contacts if someone is detained. Furthermore, they advise brushing up on "know your rights" resources, which provide crucial information on interactions with law enforcement.
These are not typical preparations for a sporting event. - The advisory highlights significant risks for World Cup visitors, including arbitrary denial of entry and detention. - Human rights groups cite "deteriorating human rights" and aggressive immigration policies under the Trump administration. - Critics say FIFA's human rights commitments are insufficient without binding guarantees from the U.S. government. - The White House dismisses concerns as "scare tactics," asserting focus on safety and security. The pressure on FIFA will likely intensify in the coming weeks. Reports in early April suggested FIFA President Gianni Infantino was considering a direct appeal to President Trump to suspend immigration enforcement activities around the event.
Whether such an appeal materializes, and more importantly, whether the Trump administration would heed it, remains a critical unknown. Host cities, grappling with the economic potential and the human rights concerns, will also face increasing calls for transparency and specific protections for visitors. The global community will watch closely as the countdown to June 2026 continues, seeking clarity on what assurances, if any, will be provided for the millions planning to attend.
Key Takeaways
— - The advisory highlights significant risks for World Cup visitors, including arbitrary denial of entry and detention.
— - Human rights groups cite "deteriorating human rights" and aggressive immigration policies under the Trump administration.
— - Critics say FIFA's human rights commitments are insufficient without binding guarantees from the U.S. government.
— - The White House dismisses concerns as "scare tactics," asserting focus on safety and security.
Source: Al Jazeera
