World Cup 2026: Human Rights Concerns and Travel Advisories

A coalition of more than 120 civil society organizations and fan groups affiliated with Major League Soccer (MLS) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has issued a travel advisory for visitors attending the 2026 World Cup in the United States.

The advisory, published April 23, 2026, urges fans, players, journalists, and other visitors to exercise caution and establish emergency contingency plans. The groups cite the Trump administration’s immigration policies and what they describe as rising authoritarianism and increasing violence as the primary drivers for the warning.

Vulnerable Groups and Cited Risks

The coalition warns that specific populations are most vulnerable to serious harm while traveling within the U.S., specifically naming LGBTQ+ individuals, racial and ethnic minority groups, and those from immigrant communities.

To support these warnings, the advisory highlights several points of evidence regarding current government operations:

• The deaths of 48 individuals in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody since the start of 2025.
• The implementation of total or partial entry restrictions for visitors arriving from 39 different countries.
• The deployment of ICE agents at airports across the United States in recent months.

The signatories of the advisory include prominent human rights and civil liberties organizations such as Amnesty International USA, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and Reporters Without Borders. The coalition also includes 20 U.S.-based supporters’ groups affiliated with the MLS and NWSL, with participating organizations representing each of the 11 World Cup host cities.

Responses from FIFA and Industry Leaders

The coalition has called on FIFA to utilize its influence to pressure U.S. Authorities to respect the fundamental human rights of all individuals attending the tournament. In response, FIFA stated that the organization is committed to respecting all internationally recognised human rights and shall strive to promote the protection of these rights.

The U.S. Travel Association, a non-profit representing the travel industry, criticized the advisory, suggesting the effort to discourage visitation is a form of sabotage.

There are legitimate ways to challenge policies you oppose and harming the livelihoods of American workers and businesses by frightening away visitors isn’t one of them.

Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the US Travel Association

Freeman stated that the association would continue to advocate for an America that remains open, competitive, and worth the trip.

U.S. Government officials have not yet provided a formal comment regarding the travel advisory issued by the rights groups.