As the 2026 World Cup draws ever closer, a big warning has been given to England and Scotland fans traveling across the pond for the tournament.
Donald Trump hopes the World Cup will boost America’s image on the world stage (Image: Annabelle Gordon/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Amnesty International has warned soccer fans aiming for the 2026 World Cup that the tournament may not be as “safe, free and inclusive” as it was originally staged. The situation in the United States is becoming increasingly volatile, with President Donald Trump ordering an aggressive deportation campaign and causing tensions between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and its citizens.
Additionally, intense tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran have also cast a shadow over the Games, with the latter in particular widely expected to withdraw from the event. Amnesty International said the United States, which hosts three-quarters of the matches, is also facing a “human rights emergency” and mass deportations regularly spark public outcry.
Additionally, in December it was reported that British nationals taking part in the contest would have to give up five years of social media history before entering the US, which could result in many not being allowed to enter the US. Given the political climate in the US and around the world, Economic and Social Justice Director Steve Cockburn warned fans that the environment may not be so welcoming.
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“There are great risks to this tournament,” he told Reuters. “Not only will it feel different from the safe, free, equal and inclusive World Cup that was promised when it was held eight years ago, it may feel very different from how it felt just 18 months ago. The United States is at a very worrying time, and that will certainly extend to fans who want to be part of the World Cup celebrations.”
He added, “We’re not saying don’t go. We’re not saying don’t enjoy it. We really want our fans to go and have fun. But it was important for us to know the reality before making a decision.”
Amnesty International claims more than 500,000 people were deported from the United States last year. Many of these deportations are carried out by ICE agents, who are regularly seen emerging from unmarked cars wearing masks and placing individuals in the back of their vehicles.
Amnesty International also warned that similar scenes to FIFA, which sparked numerous riots across the United States, could spill over into World Cup celebrations. Regarding the potential presence of ICE agents near the convention, Cockburn added, “We need clear assurances that there will be no ICE agents around the venue so that people can participate without fear of arbitrary deportation arrest.”
Amnesty International is also furious that the US government has imposed travel bans on supporters of Senegal, Ivory Coast, Haiti and Iran, and is ordering these measures to be lifted. Amnesty International is also targeting co-hosts Mexico and Canada, whose government has a history of human rights abuses, including torture and forced disappearances, related to the deployment of troops.
Local residents have also protested against gentrification, water shortages and housing evictions that have occurred as a result of World Cup preparations, with Canada blaming Vancouver and Toronto for worsening conditions for the country’s homeless populations.
A spokesperson for the Minister of Public Safety said: “We take these issues seriously and will continue to actively engage with all levels of government, law enforcement and community organizations to ensure the Games are safe, fair and welcoming for everyone.”
A White House spokesperson said: “This tournament will generate billions of dollars in economic impact and bring hundreds of thousands of jobs to our country. The President is focused on making this the best World Cup in history, while ensuring it is the safest and safest ever.”
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