Key Takeaways
- More than 120 rights groups say visitors could face entry denial, arrest or racial profiling.
- Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast fans are under US travel bans.
- FIFA insists it will protect human rights, but critics want firmer safety promises.
A wide coalition of American civil-rights organisations has urged everyone heading to the 2026 World Cup to “exercise caution” when entering the United States.
In a joint travel advisory released on Tuesday, the groups claim the Trump administration’s tighter immigration policy “increases the risk of abuse” for travellers. They say ethnic minorities, journalists and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender fans are especially vulnerable.
The statement, backed by the American Civil Liberties Union and more than 100 other bodies, lists possible dangers: sudden denial of visas, phone searches, social-media screening, arrest or deportation. Nationals of four competing nations – Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast – already face US entry bans.
The coalition wants world football’s governing body, FIFA, to press Washington for “concrete guarantees” that visitors will be safe. It also criticises FIFA president Gianni Infantino for his close relationship with President Trump. Last year Infantino gave Trump the federation’s first-ever Peace Award.
In response, FIFA repeated that it is “committed to respecting all internationally recognised human rights” and has set up expert panels to monitor the tournament. US authorities have not replied to the advisory.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, whose budget has grown under the current administration, will help police the event. Rights monitors fear this could lead to heavy surveillance around stadiums.
Despite the warnings, the White House World Cup Task Force promises “the safest and most welcoming” finals in history. It says fans will enjoy “smooth entry and world-class hospitality” when the expanded 48-team tournament kicks off across the United States, Canada and Mexico in June 2026. Seventy-eight of the 104 matches will be played in US cities.