Amnesty International has sounded a warning about the safety of certain fans attending the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. According to the human rights group, these fans face serious risks from immigration and customs officers, as well as border guards. The warning comes as the tournament draws near, with the first match scheduled for June 11th.
The report, titled "Humanity Must Win: Defending Rights, Tackling Repression at the 2026 Fifa World Cup," highlights the lack of guarantees provided by World Cup organizers, Fifa, and the US authorities to protect supporters from ethnic profiling, indiscriminate raids, unlawful detention, and deportation. The report also notes that the acting director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has stated that the agency will be a key part of the overall security apparatus for the World Cup.
The Amnesty report also raises concerns about the treatment of LGBTQI+ people in the host countries. In the US, the report highlights the government's attack on the rights of LGBTQI+ people, particularly in relation to transgender and gender-diverse individuals. In Canada, trans youth face persistent discrimination, while Mexico is considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world for transgender people.
The tournament will take place in 11 venues in the US, including the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, which will host the final on July 19th. With over 6.5 million fans expected to attend, the Amnesty report warns that urgent efforts are needed to bridge the gap between the tournament's original promise and today's reality.
As the countdown to the World Cup begins, authorities and host cities must take effective measures to protect fans from these serious risks and ensure that the tournament lives up to its promise of unity and inclusivity.
The World Cup's promise of unity and inclusivity is being undermined by the US government's repressive practices and lack of guarantees for fan safety. The Amnesty report highlights the urgent need for authorities to take effective measures to protect fans from ethnic profiling, deportation, and discrimination. As the tournament draws near, it is imperative that host cities and governments prioritize the rights and safety of all fans, regardless of their background or identity.
