WASHINGTON — A coalition of advocacy organizations has issued a travel advisory cautioning that visitors heading to the United States for the 2026 World Cup could face potential rights violations, including detention and deportation.
The advisory, released Thursday and endorsed by dozens of groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the NAACP, comes less than two months before the tournament begins in Mexico.
Groups say the event will unfold amid intensified immigration enforcement policies under the administration of Donald Trump, alongside what they describe as a weakening of federal protections for racial minorities and LGBTQ individuals.
According to the advisory, international visitors — including fans, athletes, and journalists — could be exposed to risks such as racial profiling, invasive searches of electronic devices, or harsh conditions if placed in immigration detention. The warning highlights that individuals from immigrant backgrounds, racial and ethnic minority communities, and LGBTQ groups may face heightened vulnerability.
The organisations urged travellers to proceed with caution and to prepare contingency plans in case of emergencies.
In a statement, the ACLU called on FIFA to use its influence to press US authorities to uphold human rights standards during the tournament.
“FIFA has unique leverage right now to ensure protections for all those attending, working, and living in host cities,” the group said, adding that efforts by the Dignity 2026 Coalition have yet to yield “meaningful assurances.”
The US State Department has not commented on the advisory.
FIFA responded by reaffirming its commitment to human rights, citing its statutes and ongoing initiatives, including the creation of a dedicated advisory body focused on rights protections linked to the event.
The latest warning follows a March statement from Amnesty International, which said preparations for the tournament were falling short of earlier pledges to deliver a “safe, free and inclusive” competition.
The expanded 2026 World Cup will feature 104 matches hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada beginning in June. Eleven US cities are set to stage games, with the final scheduled for East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Sources: Reuters
