Groups express 'deep concern' about 2026 World Cup in US due to Trump's policies [View all]

Source: USA Today

July 1, 2025, 7:19 p.m. ET


More than 80 civil rights and labor groups sent a letter to FIFA on July 1 expressing "deep concern" over the U.S. government's immigration policies ahead of the 2026 World Cup in men's soccer.

In the letter, which was first reported by The Athletic, the groups cited President Donald Trump's executive order banning visitors from 12 countries as well as the ongoing raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in communities across the country, some of which are slated to host World Cup matches next summer. They called on FIFA to "use its influence to encourage the U.S. government to guarantee the fundamental rights of the millions of foreign visitors and fans."

"If FIFA continues to stay silent, not only will millions be placed at risk, but the FIFA brand will also be used as a public relations tool to whitewash the reputation of an increasingly authoritarian government," the civil rights and labor groups wrote.

Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP were among the most prominent national organizations to sign the letter, which was also endorsed by eight fan clubs of soccer teams. The United States is currently hosting the FIFA Club World Cup for men's soccer.

Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2025/07/01/world-cup-2026-fifa-letter-concerns-us-immigration/84437926007/