The Human Rights organization hopes that FIFA can obtain guarantees of a safe World Cup for "athletes, fans and workers." These guarantees involve an exception in the mass deportation efforts and immigration raids that Donald Trump's Government intends to continue carrying out during the tournament.

First modification: 04/28/2026 - 05:03 Last modification: 04/28/2026 - 05:07

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FIFA should pressure the US government to establish an "ICE truce" for this year's World Cup, including a public guarantee by federal authorities to refrain from immigration enforcement operations at matches and venues, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report published Monday, April 27.

The 2026 World Cup - the first edition of this global tournament with 48 teams - will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE) has been the face of a harsh immigration offensive and the deportation campaign promoted by President Donald Trump's Administration.

Human rights groups have condemned the crackdown, saying it has led to violations of free speech and due process rights and created an unsafe environment, especially for minorities. Trump presents his actions as necessary to improve internal security and curb illegal immigration.

"FIFA must act urgently to address the risks of human rights abuses for athletes, fans and workers," HRW said.

"One concrete thing he should do is convince the Trump Administration to establish a 'truce with ICE'... Gianni Infantino (FIFA president) and his FIFA colleagues should use their influence to demand that the Trump administration do the right thing for the games," he added.

"Eliminate discriminatory travel bans, refrain from abusive immigration enforcement operations in and around World Cup venues, protect the rights of children and commit to defending freedom of assembly and expression."

In the style of the Olympic Truce

The idea is based on the "Olympic Truce," a tradition that dates back to ancient Greece, when cities at war paused hostilities so athletes and spectators could travel safely to the Games.

"The 2026 FIFA World Cup will undoubtedly be one of the largest and most spectacular events in human history, attracting millions of fans from around the world to 11 host cities in the United States," White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Reuters.

"This will be a monumental event that will require close coordination between the Trump Administration, FIFA and all of our great federal, state and local partners," he added.

"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 pushed by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media will change that," Ingle promised.

Concerns intensified on April 23, when activist groups issued a travel warning, warning that visitors traveling to the US for the World Cup could face arbitrary detention or deportation, among other human rights abuses.

Fans, players, journalists and other visitors may face racial profiling, searches of electronic devices or risk of cruel or inhuman treatment if they end up in immigration detention centers, according to the notice.

No changes by the Government

Thursday's warnings followed a March statement from Amnesty International, which said the tournament is moving far away from the "safe, free and inclusive" event promised by FIFA.

"DHS (US Department of Homeland Security) will work with our local and federal partners to secure the 2026 FIFA World Cup - under federal law and the US Constitution - as we do with all major sporting events, while showcasing American greatness to the world," a DHS spokesperson told Reuters.

"Our mission is simple: ensure that every fan - both Americans and visitors - has a safe and unforgettable experience," he added.

"International visitors coming to the United States legally for the World Cup have nothing to worry about. What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is whether or not they are in the U.S. illegally. Period. Speculation to the contrary is misinformed."

"At the same time, foreign visitors MUST be proactive and start working on their travel plans and documents well in advance to ensure a smooth travel experience," the spokesperson warned.

HRW also said it had written to Infantino requesting details about the nominees, judges, benchmarks and selection process for the first FIFA peace prize.

Trump received the award in December for what soccer's world governing body called his efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in hotspots around the world.

"By creating this award, Infantino risks turning the 2026 FIFA World Cup... into another sportswashing event in a world that already has too many," HRW added.

Reuters has contacted FIFA for comment.

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