Amnesty Warns 2026 World Cup Could Become “Stage for Repression”

A new report from Amnesty International has warned that the 2026 World Cup risks becoming “a stage for repression and a platform for authoritarian practices” unless urgent action is taken by FIFA and the host countries.

The tournament, which will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico, is expected to be the biggest World Cup in history, with 48 teams and 104 matches.

According to Amnesty’s report, titled “Humanity Must Win”, there are growing concerns over immigration policies, freedom of protest, fan safety, surveillance and the treatment of journalists, workers and minority groups. Amnesty believes the situation is particularly serious in the United States, which will host around three-quarters of the matches.

The organization claimed that recent mass deportations, arbitrary arrests and aggressive immigration enforcement operations could create fear among fans and local communities during the tournament. Amnesty also criticized the fact that none of the published host city plans currently explain how supporters will be protected from immigration raids or enforcement activity.

There are also concerns that fans from certain countries could face travel restrictions, while some LGBTQ+ supporter groups have already said they do not plan to travel to the United States because of concerns over the safety of transgender fans.

Amnesty further warned that the right to protest could be limited during the tournament, especially in areas where security measures become stricter. The group also raised concerns over press freedom, arguing that journalists could face increased monitoring, visa restrictions or difficulties entering certain host countries.

FIFA has insisted that the World Cup will go ahead as planned and has promised that everyone involved in the tournament will feel “safe, included and free to exercise their rights.” However, Amnesty and other human rights groups believe much more action is needed to ensure the competition does not damage its reputation before it even begins.