Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised concerns that the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup could become a platform for exclusion and fear, driven by US immigration policies and threats to media freedom. In a comprehensive 79-page guide for journalists, HRW highlighted how the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is at risk of unfolding amidst severe human rights challenges.
The guide, titled “Reporter’s Guide for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States,” underscores FIFA’s shortcomings in upholding human rights commitments made during the bid process. Of particular concern are the US government’s immigration policies, which pose risks to journalists, fans, players, and immigrant communities in the 11 American host cities, according to a report from JURIST.
Minky Worden, HRW’s director of global initiatives, emphasized that the event risks foregoing its inclusive potential, narrowing its scope instead to exclusionary practices and fear. The organization specifically called on FIFA to push for an “ICE Truce,” a commitment from US authorities to suspend immigration enforcement activities at World Cup venues. Data obtained by HRW revealed that over a six-week period in early 2025, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested at least 167,000 people in the vicinity of the host cities.
HRW also documented threats to media freedom in the US, highlighting incidents like the arrest and subsequent deportation of journalist Mario Guevara while he was covering a political protest in a host city. Another concerning instance involved journalist Estefany Rodriguez, who was reportedly detained without a warrant while covering immigration raids. Such actions underscore the potential perils for journalists during the tournament.
Moreover, HRW criticized FIFA for awarding President Trump a FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025, describing it as an act of sportswashing. FIFA’s commitment to human rights is further questioned by its inadequate response to media safety concerns. Although it assured that mechanisms exist to handle human rights or safety incidents involving journalists, specific details were notably absent.
The host nations face additional challenges. In Mexico, cities like Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey are grappling with threats to journalists. In 2025 alone, seven journalists were killed, with impunity remaining a disturbing norm, as noted by the press freedom group Article 19. Despite these risks, FIFA has not provided adequate protections for journalists, nor has it addressed the potential intersections between football and organized crime in these regions.
HRW’s warnings underscore the critical need for FIFA and the host countries to address these human rights concerns, ensuring that the World Cup remains a platform for unity rather than division.