Human rights organisations have warned that Fifa risks becoming “a public relations tool of an increasingly authoritarian US government” as they call on football’s governing body to do more to protect rights during the 2026 World Cup. The Sport and Rights Alliance has made seven requests for action ahead of the World Cup draw in Washington on Friday.
The key demand is that Fifa “commit to ensuring effective protections against racial profiling, arbitrary detention, and unlawful immigration enforcement during the tournament”. Concerns have risen over the possibility of local communities and travelling fans being subjected to immigration raids or arbitrary detention.
Jamil Dakwar, director of the human rights programme at the American Civil Liberties Union, said the perception is that Fifa is “dragging itself into becoming part of a public relations tool to normalise an increasingly authoritarian US government”. Daniel Norona of Amnesty International USA warned of a “high possibility” of immigration raids during World Cup fixtures, stating: “Attending a soccer match should never result in arbitrary detention or deportation.”
In June, 90 US civic organisations wrote to Fifa urging it to use its leverage to push the Trump administration into guaranteeing safety. Jennifer Li of Dignity 2026 said no reply had been received. Under its statutes, Fifa states it is “committed to respecting all internationally recognised human rights”. A US State Department spokesperson said: “We are doing everything we can to support a successful World Cup. At the same time, the Trump Administration will not waver in upholding American law and the highest standards of national security.”
