As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, concerns are mounting over the potential impact of U.S. immigration policies under President Donald Trump. Ninety U.S. civil society groups have voiced their "deep concern" to FIFA, warning that the organization risks becoming a "public relations tool to whitewash the reputation of an increasingly authoritarian government" if it fails to address the issue. These groups have jointly penned a letter urging FIFA to publicly call on the U.S. government to reverse immigration policies and practices enacted by the Trump administration.
The civil society groups argue that repressive executive orders and policy changes implemented since President Trump assumed office in January 2025 pose a significant threat to individuals, particularly non-citizens, traveling to or residing in the United States. They highlight the administration's "systematic anti-human rights campaign to target, detain, and disappear immigrants in communities across the U.S.," including in cities slated to host World Cup matches. They stress that FIFA's own policy mandates leveraging business relationships to mitigate adverse human rights impacts, making it imperative for the organization to encourage the U.S. government to protect the rights of both foreign visitors and immigrants who contribute to the host communities.
These concerns are amplified by reports of increased deportations and immigration raids, which have instilled fear within immigrant communities and beyond. The U.S. Travel Association and other industry groups worry that many foreigners may avoid visiting the United States due to fear of harassment or arrest by immigration agents. Furthermore, new U.S. visa procedures, resulting in longer wait times, coupled with President Trump's travel bans on citizens from various nations, may further deter World Cup attendance.
A coalition of alarmed Miami community groups demonstrated in front of FIFA's Miami offices on June 30, urging the Trump administration to refrain from "overzealous immigration enforcement" during the games. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have also sent letters to FIFA demanding protection for World Cup attendees from immigration raids.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino's relationship with Donald Trump has drawn scrutiny, especially since Infantino attended Trump's second inauguration and joined him on investment-focused trips to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Civil rights groups are now urging the FIFA chief to leverage that connection to address the growing concerns surrounding immigration policies. They are requesting FIFA to "publicly recognize the severity of the risks that U.S. government policies and practices pose to FIFA tournament attendees and migrant communities in the U.S." and to "publicly urge President Trump to reverse these policies and practices".
The potential impact of these policies extends beyond individual rights, with concerns raised about the economic consequences for the host cities. The U.S. Travel Association has expressed concerns about visa wait times and the perception that people are not welcome, potentially impacting tourism and revenue.
Human Rights Watch noted that the 2026 World Cup is the first men's World Cup with a published Human Rights Strategy. The organization urged FIFA to press the Trump administration to roll back visa policies and practices that threaten migrants and foreign visitors in the U.S.. Without such guarantees, FIFA needs to be prepared to reconsider its hosting decision.
