WASHINGTON, DC – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Amnesty International, along with more than 120 civil society organizations, have issued a “travel advisory” for foreign nationals attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
The warning, issued Thursday, points to “the deteriorating human rights situation in the United States and the lack of meaningful action or concrete assurances from FIFA, the host city, and the U.S. government.”
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The move comes as some international organizations and fans have raised concerns about how this year’s World Cup, which begins in June and includes matches in Mexico, Canada and the United States, will interact with US President Donald Trump’s hard-line immigration policies.
Between 5 million and 10 million visitors are expected to travel to the United States for the event.
“FIFA, in collusion with the Trump administration, pays lip service to human rights, putting millions of people at risk of harm and violations of their fundamental rights,” ACLU Human Rights Program Director Jamil Dakwar said in a statement Thursday.
“The Trump administration’s abusive actions continue to threaten our communities, visitors, and fans alike, and it is past time for FIFA to use its influence to push for meaningful policy changes and binding guarantees that will allow people to travel and enjoy the games with confidence.”
Jennifer Lee, who heads Dignity 2026, a national coalition working with grassroots organizations in host cities, said with the World Cup just around the corner, “we are still waiting for commitments from FIFA and host city organizers on plans to protect residents, workers and visitors.”
“The silence was deafening,” Lee said.
White House Press Secretary Davis Ingle said in a statement to Al Jazeera that the 2026 World Cup “will undoubtedly be one of the largest and most spectacular events in human history, drawing millions of fans from around the world to 11 host cities across the United States.”
“President Trump is committed to ensuring that this is not only a great experience for all fans and attendees, but also the safest and safest in history, and no amount of ridiculous intimidation tactics promoted by liberal activist groups and left-wing media will change that,” he said.
“Have an emergency response plan”
The advisory identified six areas of risk for those attending the World Cup and called on “fans, players, journalists, and other visitors to use caution and have contingency plans when traveling to and within the United States.”
The report warned of “the risk of arbitrary denial of entry and the arrest, detention, and deportation of non-U.S. nationals” at ports of entry, and cited U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents’ “broad discretion to admit, detain, or deny entry” and “intrusive social media checks.”
It also warned of “expanded restrictions and restrictions on travel to and entry into the United States.”
At least 39 countries are currently subject to broad U.S. travel bans, with limited exceptions. According to the U.S. Immigration Council, two World Cup teams, Iran and Haiti, will be banned from issuing all immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, while two other teams, Ivory Coast and Senegal, will be subject to partial bans.
Five eligible countries – Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia – are also part of President Trump’s Visa Bond Program, which requires citizens of 50 countries to post a $15,000 bond before traveling to the United States.
Meanwhile, President Trump suggested that it may not be safe for Iranian teams to play in the United States, although he insisted that players are still “welcome” amid the US and Israel’s war against Iran.
On Thursday, the Financial Times reported that a US envoy had asked FIFA to use Italy instead of Iran. FIFA has not confirmed the request, but has previously maintained that the Iranian team has the right to participate.
“Violent and unconstitutional immigration enforcement”
Some of the civil society groups’ warnings concerned immigration controls once visitors entered the United States.
The role of immigration officials at the World Cup is unclear, but Todd Lyons, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), said in February that the agency would play a “critical role” in security.
Markwayne Mullin, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, said in a post on X on Wednesday that the department will “work collaboratively with the task force and @FIFAcom to ensure all U.S.-based games are held safely and securely.”
Civil society groups warned of “violent and unconstitutional immigration enforcement, including racial profiling and other forms of discrimination by law enforcement.”
They point to a surge in crackdowns in cities across the country since the Trump administration took office in January 2025, which human rights groups and local police say involve “drug net” tactics based on individuals’ racial perceptions.
Immigration agents have been involved in dozens of shootings since Trump took office, including the killings of protesters Renee Nicole Good and Alex Preti in Minneapolis in January.
The group also cited examples of non-citizens, including permanent residents, being targeted for expressing “political opinions that differ from those of the current government,” and warned of “intensified surveillance and suppression of speech and protest.”
They specifically cited examples of individuals targeted for “activities in support of Palestinian rights,” a group that also includes several prominent student advocates.
The last point warns of conditions in U.S. immigration detention facilities, warning of “grave risks of cruel, inhuman, degrading treatment, and even death.” According to multiple reports, 32 people died while in ICE custody in 2025, making it the deadliest year in more than two decades.
At least 14 people died while in ICE custody in 2026, according to multiple reports.
Rights groups recommend preventive measures
Civil society organizations recommended various precautionary measures for those attending the World Cup.
This includes securing electronic devices, downloading an app that can instantly notify emergency contacts of a detention, and brushing up on so-called “know your rights” resources.
Amnesty International USA’s U.S. Advocacy Director Daniel Norona said in a statement that he increased pressure on FIFA to ensure foreign tourists are not drawn into the Trump administration’s policies.
This comes after sports news site The Athletic reported in April that FIFA president Gianni Infantino was considering appealing directly to President Trump to suspend immigration enforcement over the event. FIFA did not immediately respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment after Thursday’s announcement.
“If the U.S. government and host city cannot guarantee the rights and safety of all people, this tournament risks falling far short of FIFA’s promise of a safe, welcoming, and inclusive event for traveling fans, journalists, players, and those already living in the U.S. alike,” Norona said.
