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Civil Rights and Labor Groups Urge FIFA to Condemn US Immigration Policies Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

More than 80 civil rights and labor groups have written to FIFA expressing deep concern over the US government's immigration policies ahead of the 2026 World Cup in men's soccer. The groups, including prominent organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, cited President Donald Trump's executive order banning visitors from 12 countries and ongoing raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in communities across the country, some of which are slated to host World Cup matches next summer. They called on FIFA to use its influence to encourage the US government to guarantee the fundamental rights of millions of foreign visitors and fans.

Key Takeaways:

  • The letter, signed by over 80 civil rights and labor groups, was sent to FIFA on July 1, citing concerns over the US government's immigration policies ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
  • The groups referenced President Trump's executive order banning visitors from 12 countries and ongoing ICE raids in communities across the country, some of which are slated to host World Cup matches.
  • The organizations called on FIFA to use its influence to encourage the US government to guarantee the fundamental rights of millions of foreign visitors and fans.
  • Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the NAACP were among the most prominent national organizations to sign the letter.
  • Eight fan clubs of teams endorsed the letter, which expressed concerns that the US government's policies would put millions of people at risk.
  • FIFA President Gianni Infantino has previously stated that foreign spectators and teams would have no issues entering the country next summer, saying "The world is welcome in America."
  • The Trump administration has echoed this sentiment, but with the caveat that fans will not be allowed to overstay their visas or otherwise remain following the tournament.
  • The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, begins on June 11.

Statistics:

  • Over 80 civil rights and labor groups signed the letter to FIFA.
  • 12 countries are subject to President Trump's executive order banning visitors.
  • Ongoing ICE raids are affecting communities across the country, some of which are slated to host World Cup matches.
  • 8 fan clubs of teams endorsed the letter to FIFA.
  • The 2026 World Cup begins on June 11.
  • 100 countries are expected to have visitors for the tournament, according to Vice President J.D. Vance.

Sources:

  • USA TODAY, July 1: "More than 80 groups urge FIFA to condemn US immigration policies"
  • The Athletic, cited in USA TODAY, July 1
  • FIFA official statement, May 15: "The world is welcome in America"
  • Vice President J.D. Vance, May: "I know we'll have visitors probably from close to 100 countries"

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