Published April 28, 2026
FIFA should put pressure on the U.S. government to establish an ICE truce ahead of this year’s World Cup, including public guarantees from federal authorities to refrain from immigration enforcement at matches and venues, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report.
The 2026 World Cup is the first of its kind to feature 48 teams and will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11th to July 19th.
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has become the face of President Donald Trump’s administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement and deportation campaign.
Rights groups condemned the crackdown, saying it led to violations of free speech and due process rights and created a dangerous environment, especially for minorities. President Trump is taking the necessary actions to improve domestic security and curb illegal immigration.
“FIFA needs to act urgently to address the risks of human rights abuses against players, fans and workers,” HRW said. “One of the concrete things we need to do is to persuade the Trump administration to conclude the ICE ceasefire agreement…
He added: “Gianni Infantino and his colleagues should use their influence to demand that the Trump administration do what is right for the game.”
“We are committed to ending discriminatory travel bans, refraining from abusive immigration enforcement in and around World Cup venues, protecting the rights of children, and defending freedom of assembly and speech.”
The idea comes from the “Olympic Truce,” a tradition dating back to ancient Greece, when warring city-states suspended hostilities so athletes and spectators could safely travel to the Olympics.
“The 2026 FIFA 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,” White House Press Secretary Davis Ingle told Reuters.
“This will be a monumental event that will require close collaboration with the Trump Administration, FIFA, and all of our great federal, state, and local partners.
“President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only a great experience for all fans and attendees, but also the safest and most secure one in history. And no matter how many ridiculous fear-mongering tactics are used by liberal activist groups and left-wing media, that won’t change.”
Concerns intensified Thursday when advocacy groups issued a travel advisory warning that travelers coming to the United States for the World Cup could face arbitrary detention, deportation and other human rights abuses.
Fans, players, journalists and other visitors face racial profiling, electronic device searches and are at risk of cruel or inhumane treatment if held in immigration detention facilities, the advisory said.
Thursday’s warning follows Amnesty International’s statement in March that the tournament was far from the “safe, free and inclusive” tournament promised by FIFA.
“DHS (Department of Homeland Security) will work with local and federal partners to ensure the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place, in accordance with federal law and the U.S. Constitution, and as with any major sporting event, while demonstrating America’s greatness to the world,” a DHS spokesperson told Reuters.
“Our mission is simple: provide a safe and unforgettable experience for all fans, Americans and visitors alike.
“International visitors coming to the United States legally for the World Cup have nothing to worry about. The only reason someone is subject to immigration control is whether they are in the United States illegally. Full stop. Any speculation to the contrary is ill-informed.”
“At the same time, international travelers should be proactive and start preparing their travel plans and documentation well in advance to ensure a smooth travel experience.”
HRW also announced that it had sent a letter to Infantino requesting details about the nominees, judges, terms of reference and selection process for FIFA’s first Peace Prize.
Trump was awarded the award by soccer’s world governing body in December for his efforts to foster dialogue and de-escalation in troubled hotspots around the world.
“By fabricating this award, Infantino risks turning the 2026 FIFA World Cup into yet another sports wash event in a world that already has too many sports,” HRW added.
Al Jazeera has contacted FIFA for comment.
