Groups are begging FIFA to protect fans planning to visit US for 2026 World Cup from Trump’s immigration policies
Urgent plea issued to FIFA over World Cup 2026
- Ninety civil society groups, primarily based in the US, have called on FIFA to protect fans visiting the US for the 2026 World Cup from Donald Trump's immigration policies.
- A letter sent to FIFA President Gianni Infantino expresses "deep concern" over the country's immigration policies and enforcement measures, and their potential impact on the tournament.
- The groups urge FIFA to use its influence to push the Trump administration to guarantee the rights of millions of football fans and to publicly challenge the policies.
- Signatories, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, argue that FIFA's silence would allow its brand to be used to "whitewash the reputation of an increasingly authoritarian government."
- The missive highlights concerns about invasive vetting procedures, potential denial of entry, arbitrary detention, and deportation, citing recent cases of travelers being detained by US authorities.