Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on FIFA to press the United States government to establish an 'ICE Truce' for the 2026 World Cup, including a public guarantee from federal authorities to refrain from immigration enforcement operations at games and venues.

The 2026 World Cup – the first edition to feature 48 teams – will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been the face of a hardline immigration crackdown and deportation drive pursued by the Trump administration.

Rights groups have condemned the crackdown, saying it has led to violations of free speech and due process rights and created an unsafe environment, particularly for minorities. Trump casts his actions as necessary to improve domestic security and curb illegal immigration.

'FIFA needs to act urgently to address the risks of human rights abuses for athletes, fans, and workers,' HRW said. The organization urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to use his leverage to demand that the Trump administration roll back discriminatory travel bans, refrain from abusive immigration enforcement near venues, and protect children's rights.

White House spokesman Davis Ingle called the World Cup 'one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history of mankind' and said the Trump administration is focused on ensuring the safest and most secure event. He dismissed 'ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media.'

Concerns intensified after advocacy groups issued a travel advisory warning that visitors may face arbitrary detention or deportation. Amnesty International also warned that the tournament is drifting from the 'safe, free and inclusive' event promised by FIFA.

HRW also wrote to Infantino requesting details about FIFA's inaugural peace prize, awarded to Trump in December. HRW called the prize a 'sportswashing' event. Al Jazeera has contacted FIFA for comment.

Source: www.aljazeera.com