Amnesty International, in its report released on Monday, warned of significant risks that may face visitors and participants at the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The organization confirmed that the situation in the United States is considered a 'human rights emergency,' noting that the tournament could negatively impact fans, players, journalists, workers, and local communities.
The report, titled 'Humanity Must Prevail: Defending Rights and Confronting Repression at the 2026 World Cup,' specifically criticized the United States, which will host the majority of the matches, with 78 out of 104 games taking place there. The report highlighted a pattern of authoritarian practices in the country, including mass arrests and deportations carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Event Details
The report outlines concerning details about how U.S. authorities handle migrants, indicating that over 500,000 individuals were deported from the United States in 2025. It also pointed out that groups of LGBTQI+ fans feel unsafe expressing their presence during the tournament, as fans from certain countries have been banned from entering the U.S.
Countries facing entry restrictions to the United States include Haiti and Iran, while Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal are subject to partial restrictions. Additionally, the tense political situation in Iran due to its conflict with the U.S. and Israel may raise questions about the participation of the Iranian team in the tournament.
Background & Context
These warnings are part of a series of criticisms directed at the tournament, highlighting human rights issues in major sporting events. In recent years, the United States has seen a rise in repression against protesters, with many peaceful demonstrations demanding Palestinian rights and student rights being dispersed.
In Mexico, 100,000 security personnel, including the military, have been deployed to confront high levels of violence in the country. A group of women is also planning a peaceful protest outside the opening match at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, demanding justice for over 133,000 missing persons.
Impact & Consequences
These issues suggest that the 2026 World Cup may become a symbol of repression rather than a sporting event. Julia Duchrow, the Secretary General of Amnesty International in Germany, warned that anyone expressing protest or criticism should expect repression during the tournament.
Duchrow also called for FIFA and the host countries to provide binding protection mechanisms to ensure that all participants can enjoy a World Cup free from fear and exclusion. Meanwhile, FIFA has not yet responded to this report, but it has affirmed its commitment to respecting human rights in its legal materials.
Regional Significance
These issues are particularly significant for the Arab world, where many Arab countries suffer from human rights violations. Major sporting events like the World Cup demonstrate how sports can be used as a means to express social and political issues.
In conclusion, Arab countries must learn from these experiences and strive to improve human rights conditions in their nations, especially with major sporting events approaching that may attract international attention.