Over 120 civil society organizations, along with fan associations linked to Major League Soccer and the National Women's Soccer League, have warned that visitors to the World Cup in the United States this summer may be "exposed to serious risks." These risks particularly affect those coming from migrant communities and ethnic minorities due to government policies that increase the likelihood of harm while traveling within the country.
The Athletic reported that this warning was included in a guidance memo published today, directed at fans, players, journalists, and other visitors. The memo urged everyone to "exercise caution and have an emergency plan," in light of what it described as "the rise of authoritarianism and increasing violence" during the administration of former President Donald Trump.
Event Details
The organizations based their warning on a range of data, including the recording of 48 deaths in detention centers operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement since the beginning of 2025. Additionally, total or partial restrictions have been imposed on the entry of visitors from 39 countries, along with the increased presence of ICE agents at U.S. airports in recent months.
Among the signatories of the statement are Amnesty International USA, Reporters Without Borders, the American Civil Liberties Union, and 20 fan associations in the United States representing the eleven host cities. Although the 2018 and 2022 World Cups also faced human rights concerns, a warning of this magnitude from within the host country is considered unusual.
Background & Context
The memo warned of six potential dangers that it claimed "violate the United States' human rights commitments." It also advised visitors to secure their electronic devices, delete sensitive data, disable facial recognition and fingerprint features, and inform relatives of their travel plans in detail.
The Athletic quoted Jameel Dakour from the American Civil Liberties Union stating that FIFA "settles for slogans about human rights while cozying up to the Trump administration, putting millions at risk of potential violations." He called on FIFA to use its influence to enforce real changes and clear guarantees.
Impact & Consequences
Jennifer Lee from the '2026 Coalition' noted that the immigration issue has become "the biggest concern" for local organizations. She emphasized that the lack of clear commitments from FIFA and the organizing bodies less than two months before the tournament raises alarms. Conversely, FIFA stressed its commitment to human rights, referencing its strategy for the 2026 World Cup, which includes regulatory frameworks and mechanisms for receiving complaints, along with an independent advisory group.
The Trump administration, for its part, strongly rejected these warnings. Andrew Giuliani, director of the World Cup task force at the White House, stated that the United States "is preparing to host the greatest sporting event in its history," asserting that safety standards and the experience offered to visitors are unparalleled. White House spokesperson Davis Engel added that the tournament will be "one of the greatest events in human history," considering these warnings as "mere ridiculous scare tactics" that will not affect the country's preparations.
Regional Significance
These warnings raise significant concerns in the Arab region, where a large number of migrants and refugees reside. U.S. policies may impact these individuals' ability to travel and participate in international events. Furthermore, these warnings reflect the ongoing challenges faced by migrant communities in Western countries.
In conclusion, the question remains about how these warnings will affect the United States' image as a host for major sporting events and its ability to ensure the safety of all visitors.