By Armando Hernandez
Seven days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, human rights organizations denounced that the United States faces a “climate of fear.”uncertainty and repression” that could affect both fans and residents during the tournament that will be held jointly with Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
The warning was issued by the Sport & Rights Alliance and Human Rights Look (HRW) coalition, whose representatives questioned the immigration policies promoted by President Donald Trump and the lack of effective implementation of the human rights commitments announced by FIFA.
Andrea Florence, executive director of the Sport & Rights Alliance, stated that “With seven days left before the start of the World Cup, a dangerous climate of fear, uncertainty and repression prevails,” while describing it as a paradox that FIFA has developed a specific human rights framework for the tournament. without, according to the organizations, this having been fully translated into concrete measures on the ground.
Activists pointed out that restrictions on obtaining visas, the tightening of border controls and the increase in immigration surveillance generate concern among fans, journalists and workers linked to the tournament.
Minky Worden, director of Global Initiatives at Human Rights Look, said that “no one can enjoy the World Cup if a masked agent asks for your passport when entering a stadium.” in reference to the presence seen of agents from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE) and the Border Patrol in different parts of the country.
The activist insisted that “asking for a truce from ICE is for the benefit of the tournament itself,” returning to a proposal promoted by HRW to temporarily suspend aggressive immigration operations during the championship.
? It’s 2 weeks until the @FIFAWorldCup kicks off on June 11. This biggest-ever sporting tournament is loved by many, yet is unfolding against a backdrop of abusive ICE enforcement in the US, threats to media freedom, discrimination, and unmet human rights commitments by FIFA+16? pic.twitter.com/Qi3D5eCBLb
— Minky Worden (@MinkysHighjinks) Would possibly perchance perchance 29, 2026
According to data cited by HRW, During 2025, immigration authorities made tens of thousands of arrests in the eleven American cities that will host World Cup meetings, a situation that, they warn, could discourage the attendance of international fans.
However, concerns are not limited to civil organizations. Various migrant defense groups have launched information campaigns and appropriate assistance networks in host cities to guide visitors and residents about their rights in the event of possible immigration operations.
Besides, A survey conducted by The Washington Post and the University of Maryland found that 65% of Americans oppose the presence of ICE agents in stadiums during the World Cup. reflecting the debate that has generated the role of immigration authorities in an event that is expected to attract millions of international visitors
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· Mexico vs. Dominican Republic amid tension and fear in Los Angeles
