The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, was billed as the most inclusive in history. However, the tournament was marred by systemic exclusion and human rights violations that overshadowed the joy and celebration on the field.
The Sport & Rights Alliance a coalition of rights groups, highlighted the U.S. government’s stringent visa policies that prevented fans, workers, and even officials from attending. Despite FIFA’s promises, the reality was far from inclusive. The alliance plans to release a detailed report in September, outlining the human rights issues that plagued the tournament.
The Visa Crisis: Exclusion and Discrimination
The U.S. government’s visa policies created significant barriers for fans and officials from various countries. Somali referee Omar Artan was notably barred from officiating, despite having a valid visa. The Trump administration cited his links to suspected members of terror organizations as the reason for his exclusion.
Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe noted the lack of evidence for ticket holders from Africa and Asia obtaining visas. The diverse crowds were primarily composed of local diaspora communities or individuals with dual citizenship, masking FIFA’s failures to ensure genuine global inclusion.
The alliance also raised concerns about the safety of LGBTQ+ fans and journalists. Many queer football fans decided not to travel due to fears for their personal safety, compounded by the lack of protections in many host cities’ human rights plans.
Safety Concerns for Journalists and LGBTQ+ Communities
Journalists faced a hostile environment while covering the tournament. Gypsy Guillén Kaiser, Chief Global Affairs Officer at the Committee to Protect Journalists highlighted the challenges reporters encountered due to visa restrictions and domestic rhetoric. The alliance conducted extensive safety interventions to support journalists navigating these obstacles.
LGBTQ+ communities also faced significant challenges. Lily Dong Li Rosengard, senior specialist at ILGA World emphasized the impact of anti-trans immigration policies and rising anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. FIFA’s promises of diversity and inclusion were not adequately reflected in the tournament’s execution.
The Dark Side of the World Cup: Immigration Crackdowns and Political Manipulation
The tournament coincided with a wave of immigration enforcement actions across the United States. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out raids detaining up to 10,000 people in just a five-day period, culminating in fatal shootings of immigrants in Houston, Texas, and Biddeford, Maine.
Daniel Noroña, Americas Advocacy Director at Amnesty International USA criticized the U.S. government’s actions, stating that the World Cup should not be used to sportswash systemic violence. The tournament’s political manipulation extended to President Trump’s intervention in the case of U.S. player Folarin Balogun, adding to the controversy.
The Sport & Rights Alliance’s upcoming report will detail these human rights issues, from discriminatory visa denials to immigration crackdowns and the celebration of players accused of sexual violence. As the world looks ahead to the Los Angeles Olympics, the need for real accountability in sports is more pressing than ever.
