The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has issued a cautionary note regarding the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, suggesting that journalists traveling to cover the event could encounter hostilities from authorities in the host countries. This advisory accompanies guidance on travel and legal rights, emphasizing the need for reporters to be vigilant about potential risks (JURIST).
Recent actions by US immigration authorities have sparked concerns, with incidents involving the deportation of Australian writer Alistair Kitchen and Salvadoran journalist Mario Guevara. Kitchen’s work on pro-Palestinian protests and Guevara’s coverage of a “No Kings” protest led to these measures. In the US, independent journalist Don Lemon, who covered a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minnesota, is facing legal challenges, with prosecutors alleging his reporting was part of a conspiracy to violate civil rights.
CPJ’s CEO, Jodie Ginsberg, underlined that such treatment seems wholly tied to journalistic activities rather than any criminal conduct. The United States, alongside Mexico and Canada, which are co-hosting the World Cup from June 11 to July 19, 2026, offers constitutional protections for press freedom. Despite these protections, CPJ warns that journalists venturing into Mexico could encounter threats or violence, particularly around sensitive topics like corruption and human rights. Canada, although generally safer, has also taken action against journalists covering protests, although these instances are rare.
The concerns raised highlight ongoing scrutiny of press freedom in the region. The Reporters Without Borders 2025 World Press Freedom Index placed the US, Mexico, and Canada at 57th, 124th, and 21st, respectively. The American Civil Liberties Union has been vocal in critiquing actions perceived as retaliatory during Donald Trump’s administration, even as Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights obliges state parties to support media freedom without undue interference.
In response to the challenging landscape for media professionals, global initiatives are being undertaken to bolster their safety. One such effort has been the launch of a program in April that offers financial assistance to journalists for acquiring protective gear while covering protests. These efforts reflect an increasing need for structural support to ensure the safety and freedom of the press, a cornerstone of democratic societies.