The Sport & Rights Alliance has called on FIFA to take immediate action to uphold human rights commitments ahead of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The organization warns that rising threats to civil liberties, particularly in the U.S., could undermine FIFA’s stated commitments to human rights and inclusivity.
Concerns Over Civil Liberties and Discriminatory Policies
Andrea Florence, Executive Director of the Sport & Rights Alliance, emphasized that the host nations pledged clear human rights commitments in their original bid. However, she cautioned that discriminatory policies could deepen social divides rather than foster unity.
The Alliance expressed serious concerns over U.S. immigration policies, warning that restrictions could exclude fans, media, and participants from many countries. Reports indicate that the Trump administration is vetting 9,000 undocumented migrants for transfer to Guantánamo Bay, a facility long criticized for extralegal detention conditions.
Freedom of Expression and LGBTI Rights Under Threat
The Alliance also highlighted growing restrictions on political speech, including visa revocations for student activists and the deployment of National Guard troops in response to immigration protests in Los Angeles.
Additionally, escalating attacks on LGBTI rights in the U.S. have raised concerns. A Human Rights Watch (HRW) report warns that laws targeting gender-affirming care are causing severe harm to youth and families, with six states criminalizing such medical treatments.
Labor Rights and Corruption Risks
The Alliance stressed that temporary workers involved in the World Cup’s infrastructure could face exploitation, wage theft, and anti-union suppression without enforceable protections. Luc Triangle, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), urged FIFA to demand binding agreements to safeguard workers’ rights.
Concerns over corruption and transparency in Mexico and the U.S. were also raised. Tor Dølvik, Special Adviser at Transparency International, warned that the rollback of anti-corruption regulations could lead to misuse of World Cup-related funds.
Calls for FIFA Action
The Sport & Rights Alliance urged FIFA to:
- Update its human rights due diligence assessment.
- Obtain concrete commitments from host governments.
- Establish independent grievance mechanisms for those affected.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, FIFA faces increasing pressure to ensure human rights protections remain a priority throughout the tournament’s planning and execution.
You can read more here.
