More than 80 civil rights and labor groups sent a letter to FIFA on July 1 expressing ‘deep concern’ over the U.S. government’s immigration policies ahead of the 2026 World Cup in men’s soccer.
In the letter, which was first reported by The Athletic, the groups cited President Donald Trump’s executive order banning visitors from 12 countries as well as the 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 U.S. government to guarantee the fundamental rights of the millions of foreign visitors and fans.’
‘If FIFA continues to stay silent, not only will millions be placed at risk, but the FIFA brand will also be used as a public relations tool to whitewash the reputation of an increasingly authoritarian government,’ the civil rights and labor groups wrote.
Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP were among the most prominent national organizations to sign the letter, which was also endorsed by eight fan clubs of soccer teams.
The United States is currently hosting the FIFA Club World Cup for men’s soccer.
FIFA did not immediately reply to an e-mail seeking comment on the letter. The organization and its president, Gianni Infantino, have repeatedly said foreign spectators and teams will have no issues entering the country next summer.
‘The world is welcome in America,’ Infantino told reporters on May 15. ‘Of course, the players, of course, everyone involved, all of us, but definitely also all the fans.’
The Trump administration has echoed that sentiment, albeit with the caveat that fans will not be allowed to overstay their visas or otherwise remain in the country following the tournament.
‘I know we’ll have visitors probably from close to 100 countries,’ Vice President J.D. Vance said in May. ‘We want them to come, we want them to celebrate, we want them to watch the game(s). But when the time is up, they’ll have to go home, otherwise they will have to talk to (U.S. Homeland Security) Secretary (Kristi) Noem.’
FIFA also faced questions and criticism from human rights advocacy organizations ahead of the last men’s World Cup, in Qatar. The 2026 edition of the event, which will be co-hosted by Canada and Mexico, begins June 11.
Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on social media @tomschad.bsky.social.