Amnesty International has issued a warning about this summer’s World Cup (Image: Pool, Getty Images)
Amnesty International has warned that athletes taking part in this summer’s World Cup in North America could face “appalling threats” from ICE agents amid a “human rights emergency”. The 2026 edition of the prestigious tournament is scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Furthermore, human rights groups argue that FIFA may struggle to deliver the “safe, welcoming and inclusive” environment it promised for the tournament. In a report titled “Humanity Must Win,” Amnesty International examines President Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant policies, given that the majority of the World Cup will be held on American soil. The group argues that human rights are at risk due to “discriminatory immigration policies, mass detentions, and arbitrary arrests by masked and armed agents of ICE, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other agencies.”
Beyond the difficulties some traveling supporters may encounter trying to enter the United States to cheer on their country, the report also warns that immigrant communities may face dangers while traveling within the country. Dallas, Houston, and Miami also signed agreements for local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE.
Furthermore, under President Trump’s recent travel ban, supporters from Ivory Coast, Haiti, Senegal and Iran wishing to attend games will be prohibited from traveling to the United States unless they had a valid visa before January of this year. As reported by the I newspaper, Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s head of economic and social justice, warned that “despite the alarming number of arrests and deportations, neither FIFA nor the US authorities have provided any guarantees that fans and communities will be safe from ethnic and racial profiling, random attacks, unlawful detention and deportation.”
It added: “The record surge in illegal arrests and deportations was only made possible because due process guarantees were eroded and the rights to freedom and security of hundreds of thousands of immigrants and refugees were compromised. These policies have torn communities apart and created a climate of fear across the United States. The United States is at a very worrying time, and its impact will certainly be felt by fans who want to participate in World Cup celebrations.”
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The World Cup will be held this summer (Image: Getty Images)
Meanwhile, more than 100,000 security personnel have been deployed to Mexico as violence levels soar across the country. Separately, authorities in Toronto earlier this month closed a winter shelter for the homeless after the venue was pre-booked for FIFA use.
This comes after a supporter died after falling from his box seat ahead of a friendly between Mexico and Portugal at Estadio Banorte on Saturday. The stadium, which is scheduled to host the World Cup opening ceremony on June 11, had recently reopened after an extensive renovation program.
However, his return to competition was marred by tragedy. “The Mexico City Prosecutor’s Office (Fiscaria CDMX) deeply regrets the death of a person inside the Banorte Stadium on Saturday, March 28, before the start of a friendly match for the Mexican national team,” said an official statement posted on social media.
“From the outset, personnel from the Attorney General’s Office, forensic experts, and members of the Investigative Police were present at the scene and began the necessary investigations. The area was cordoned off, the scene was secured, and evidence was collected by experts specializing in criminology, photography, and forensics.”
“Furthermore, analysis of CCTV footage from the stadium and its entrances is underway, as well as the collection of testimonies from those present at the scene, with the aim of accurately reconstructing the sequence of events and identifying potential culprits.
“Similarly, statutory post-mortem procedures are currently underway in order to definitively establish the cause of death and the condition of the body at the time of the fall. The Mexico City Public Prosecutor’s Office will continue its thorough investigation and, strictly in accordance with the principles of due process, will keep the public informed of any relevant developments.”
