The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Amnesty International, along with more than 120 civil society groups, have issued a “travel advisory” for foreigners attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, citing a “deteriorating human rights situation” and lack of guarantees from FIFA, host cities, or the US government.
The warning, released Thursday, comes amid fears over how the tournament, which kicks off in June across Mexico, Canada, and the US, will interact with President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies. Between 5 and 10 million visitors are expected to travel to the US for the event.
“FIFA has been paying lip service to human rights while cozying up with the Trump administration, putting millions of people at risk,” said Jamil Dakwar, ACLU human rights program director. The advisory highlights six risk areas: arbitrary denial of entry and risk of detention/deportation; expanded travel restrictions; violent immigration enforcement including racial profiling; suppression of speech and protest; and harsh conditions in detention facilities.
At least 39 countries face US travel bans, with Iran and Haiti subject to full visa bans. Five qualifying nations—Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia—must post a $15,000 bond under Trump’s “Visa Bond Program.” The advisory also notes that ICE has been involved in dozens of shootings since Trump took office, and 32 deaths occurred in ICE custody in 2025.
Civil society groups recommend visitors secure electronic devices, download emergency contact apps, and review “know your rights” resources. The White House dismissed the advisory as “ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups,” insisting the event will be “the safest and most secure in history.”
FIFA has not commented on the advisory, though reports suggest President Gianni Infantino considered appealing to Trump to suspend immigration enforcement during the World Cup. Amnesty International’s Daniel Norona warned that without guarantees, “this tournament risks falling far short of FIFA’s promise of a safe, welcoming, and inclusive event.”
Source: www.aljazeera.com