The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup will be the largest in history, drawing about 2.6 million visitors to the United States and millions more to Mexico and Canada. However, with a rise in excitement also rises concern. An increase in the aggressive enforcement of immigration enforced during the Trump administration is a threat to core values of the event such as inclusivity and unity.
The Policy Landscape
Travel bans and entry restrictions
Since returning to office in January 2025, President Trump has issued executive orders banning travel from 12 countries—including Iran, which is qualified for the tournament—and placing restrictions on seven more. A leaked cable suggests up to 36 more could be added. The order permits athletes and immediate family, but extended family, fans, and ordinary attendees face exclusion.
These bans are already making their mark. This means that tens of thousands of Iranian fans can be banned and foreign governments issue travel warnings. In the major cities in the United States where the host cities are located, tourism is on the decline and this is indicative of the larger effect.
ICE operations and local enforcement
The administration has beefed up ICE and CBP presence around tournament venues. Miami-Dade County, for example, operates under a 287(g) agreement. At a 2025 Club World Cup match in Miami, CBP agents reportedly conducted status checks inside stadiums in what was described as a “routine inspection.”
In addition, mass arrests in homes, schools, and workplaces are being widely reported. The presence of federal agents is creating a deep sense of fear within immigrant communities, affecting fans’ willingness to participate.
The Chilling Effect on Fans
Economic and social fallout
These policies have immediate financial consequences. Travel from Canada is down by 40%, and tourism in Las Vegas, New York, and Miami has dropped. The fear of profiling and detention is pushing fans to sell tickets or skip watch parties entirely.
Spectators from affected nations face invasive vetting, risk detention, and may be penalized for social media posts or political views. Transgender individuals face additional scrutiny. The result is an environment where fear outweighs festivity.
Civil society mobilizes
More than 90 organizations—including ACLU, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the NAACP—have appealed to FIFA, warning that current policies undermine human rights and jeopardize the tournament’s integrity. They alert FIFA that its brand risks being used to whitewash rights abuses.
Jamil Dakwar of the ACLU said,
“The Trump administration has aggressively pursued a systematic anti‑human rights campaign … including in cities where the World Cup will take place.”
Anthony Enriquez from RFK Human Rights added,
“FIFA’s role in convening people around the world in friendly sport is at stark odds with the United States’ practice of disappearing immigrants and visitors to cruel and degrading detention centers.”
FIFA’s Position and Expectations
FIFA’s public stance
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stated, “the world is welcome in America,” and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance added,
“Everyone is welcome to come and see this incredible event.”
However, FIFA’s written response to advocacy groups has only mentioned vague measures to “engage with the relevant authorities” if human rights risks emerge. This has proven insufficient for civil society.
The Stakes for FIFA
Jonathan Alingu of Central Florida Jobs With Justice urged FIFA to push back against enforcement and visa bans. He warned that without action, the tournament may exclude many who would otherwise contribute to its success.
The Broader Human Rights Context
Systemic implications
A coordinated letter to UN human rights experts by 27 U.S. advocacy groups described “enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions,” and warned of racial profiling. With large immigrant communities in host cities, these patterns pose a direct threat to the World Cup’s inclusive image.
Voices from civil society
Juliette Kayyem, national security analyst, told a news channel,
“Security for major events must not come at the expense of civil liberties or human rights. The challenge for FIFA and U.S. authorities is to ensure the World Cup remains a welcoming event for all, not a source of fear or exclusion.”
I spoke to the @dallasnews about how Trump’s travel ban and border enforcement are impacting FIFA plans for the year ahead. Hosting cities cannot do much to counter the unwelcome sign. https://t.co/8oxDEQGH3a
— Juliette Kayyem (@juliettekayyem) July 2, 2025
Can the World Cup Stay True to Its Promise?
With the 2026 World Cup looming on the horizon, the question is whether the trophy will be able to uphold its ideals in the existing climate of Immigration in the U.S. Human rights organizations, community activists and fans are hoping that FIFA will use its power to make sure that everyone is safe and treated in a dignified manner. In absence of practical assurances, festivity is subject to be overpowered by anxiety.
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