World Cup 2026: a tournament of fear?

Several NGOs raise the alarm over the human rights situation in the United States.

World Cup 2026 Today at 05:40

Just days before the start of the 2026 World Cup, pressure is mounting on FIFA. Several NGOs, united under the Sport and Rights Alliance, have sent an open letter to its president, Gianni Infantino, denouncing the human rights risks surrounding the tournament.

The organizations are particularly concerned that certain U.S. immigration policies could complicate entry for fans, journalists, and members of foreign delegations. They are also calling for stronger guarantees regarding press freedom and the right to peaceful protest.

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RIGHTS GROUPS SAY NRI FANS FACE A 'CLIMATE OF FEAR' AT THE WORLD CUP. FIFA HAS NOT RESPONDED.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts next Wednesday. Forty-eight teams. Sixteen cities. Eleven stadiums across the… pic.twitter.com/7cGI02SrDz
— The Videshi (@thevideshi) June 4, 2026

According to these NGOs, FIFA must play an active role in ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for everyone involved in the tournament. This stance comes as the United States, Canada, and Mexico prepare to host a historic World Cup—the first ever to feature 48 teams. But even before the opening match, the debate has already moved far beyond the pitch.