As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, human rights organizations are raising concerns about the potential for abuses and calling on FIFA to take a stronger stance to protect vulnerable groups. With the tournament set to be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, these groups are urging FIFA to ensure the event doesn't become a "public relations tool" for any government, particularly in light of increasingly restrictive policies in some host countries.

Several organizations, including the Sport and Rights Alliance, Amnesty International USA, and Human Rights Watch, have voiced specific concerns. These include the risk of racial profiling, arbitrary detention, and unlawful immigration enforcement targeting fans and residents during the tournament. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has expressed worry that FIFA could be perceived as normalizing increasingly authoritarian government actions.

Daniel Norona, Americas advocacy director at Amnesty International USA, highlighted the "high possibility" of immigration raids during World Cup fixtures, emphasizing that attending a soccer match should never lead to detention or deportation. These concerns are amplified by reports of increasing attacks on immigrants and threats to freedom of expression and peaceful protest in the United States.

To address these risks, a coalition of human rights groups has presented FIFA with seven requests for action. These include:

• Reinstating anti-discrimination messaging: To actively combat prejudice and promote inclusivity.
• Ensuring protection against racial profiling and arbitrary detention: Committing to safeguards against discriminatory law enforcement practices.
• Collaborating with community partners: Working closely to finalize and implement Human Rights Action Plans in host cities.
• Protecting freedom of expression and peaceful protest: Upholding the rights of individuals to voice their opinions without fear of reprisal.
• Implementing a comprehensive Child Safeguarding Policy: Establishing measures to protect children from trafficking, exploitation, and other forms of abuse.
• Ensuring community benefits: Guaranteeing that the World Cup leads to positive outcomes for local communities.
• Preventing abuses of vulnerable communities: Taking steps to ensure the tournament does not lead to unjust treatment, including the jailing of unhoused populations.

FIFA's commitment to human rights has been under scrutiny for years, with past World Cup tournaments marred by scandals related to labor abuses and other rights violations. In response, FIFA has developed a Human Rights Policy that mandates bidders for the World Cup to respect international human rights and labor standards. As part of this framework, each of the 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup is required to create a "human rights action plan" to address issues such as discrimination, worker's rights, and child protection.

However, some advocates argue that FIFA's standards are not always enforceable and that the organization has, at times, weakened its approach to human rights. There are also concerns about transparency, particularly regarding the selection process for the FIFA Peace Prize, which is expected to be awarded for the first time during the World Cup draw in Washington.

The presence of Donald Trump at the World Cup draw has sparked controversy, with some critics suggesting that FIFA President Gianni Infantino has become too closely aligned with the former U.S. President. This has fueled concerns that FIFA's neutrality could be compromised.

FIFA maintains that it is committed to respecting human rights and is working closely with host countries to ensure a safe and inclusive tournament. The organization's Human Rights Policy outlines its commitment to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. FIFA also says it will engage with relevant authorities if it becomes aware of human rights concerns.

Despite these assurances, human rights groups are urging FIFA to take concrete action to address the specific risks associated with the 2026 World Cup. They emphasize that FIFA must use its influence to ensure that the tournament upholds human rights and benefits all communities involved.