Rights organizations have raised alarms about the safety of reporters, supporters and workers who will attend the FIFA World Cup in the United States, telling reporters on Wednesday that the tournament is unfolding amid a "distinctively dangerous climate of fear" tied to U.S. immigration enforcement policies.
The Sport & Rights Alliance, a coalition of civil society groups, said FIFA has not sufficiently confronted human rights risks linked to the massive event, which is due to begin next week. The coalition cited concerns that include visa restrictions, border enforcement and the policing of venues and surrounding communities.
"FIFA’s weak response to the human rights threats documented by local groups and global civil society organisations means that we are witnessing a distinctively dangerous climate of fear, uncertainty, and repression," said Andrea Florence, executive director of the coalition. "President Donald Trump’s harsh anti-human rights rhetoric, aggressive immigration policies, and mass deportation raids have already cast a dark shadow over the world’s biggest sporting event."
FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the coalition’s allegations.
The White House pushed back against the criticism in its own statement, calling the World Cup "one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history of mankind." White House spokesman Davis Ingle said: "This will be a monumental event that requires close coordination between 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 an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but also the safest and most secure in history - and no amount of ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media will change that."
The expanded 48-team World Cup is scheduled to kick off next week. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said the world will be welcomed to the United States for the tournament, which is being co-hosted by Canada and Mexico.
But the coalition and other critics say that U.S. immigration policies, described by the group as a "massive immigration crackdown," have already produced anxieties among travelers and local communities. The coalition highlighted fears of possible U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement both among visitors to the games and people living near venues.
Critics also faulted Infantino for what they called a close relationship with the U.S. president.
The coalition noted recent shifts by teams and delegations that have cited safety concerns. It pointed to Iran's confirmation last month that it would move its planned base camp from Arizona to Mexico after the U.S. and Israel conducted joint strikes on Iran beginning in late February.
"FIFA had promised ... the most inclusive tournament in history," Florence told reporters. "Yet, with only seven days until the opening whistle, the reality for workers, fans, journalists, and communities on the ground look vastly different."
Heightened concern about immigration enforcement at sporting events is not new, the coalition said. It recalled that a year earlier, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials had pledged they would be "suited and booted" at the Club World Cup in the United States, a stance that the coalition said had stoked anxiety among tourists and locals.
In Los Angeles, however, local law enforcement sought to allay some worries. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna told reporters this week that civil immigration enforcement will not take place at FIFA World Cup games or events in Los Angeles.
The competing narratives from rights groups, FIFA and U.S. officials leave questions about how security, immigration enforcement and fan experience will be managed when the tournament begins next week. Organizers and authorities face pressure to balance perceived public-safety needs with assurances intended to protect the rights and confidence of those planning to travel to and work at the event.
Summary
Human rights organizations argue FIFA has not adequately addressed threats tied to visa rules, border enforcement and policing ahead of the U.S.-hosted World Cup, warning of a "distinctively dangerous climate of fear" blighting fans, journalists and workers. The White House defended preparations and security plans, while some local law enforcement offered assurances against immigration enforcement at games.
Key points
- Sport & Rights Alliance says FIFA's response to human rights concerns is insufficient, citing visa restrictions, border enforcement and policing as central issues - impact: travel, events and media sectors.
- The White House emphasized coordination with FIFA and local partners to deliver a safe, secure tournament, calling criticisms politically driven - impact: government relations and public safety sectors.
- Local assurances, such as the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s statement that civil immigration enforcement will not occur at games there, contrast with broader fears of ICE enforcement - impact: local law enforcement and tourism.
Risks and uncertainties
- Potential deterrent effect on attendance and tourism due to fears of immigration enforcement - sectors affected include travel, hospitality and ticketing.
- Possible reputational damage for FIFA if perceived to have inadequately protected human rights, which could affect sponsorship and media relationships - sectors affected include sports media and commercial partnerships.
- Uneven local enforcement practices may create uncertainty for international delegations, fans and journalists - sectors affected include logistics, accommodation and event security.