The 2026 World Cup: A Human Rights Reckoning for FIFA
Just 200 days from kickoff, the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, isn’t just a sporting event – it’s a rapidly approaching test of whether FIFA can truly deliver on its promises of prioritizing human rights. While this tournament marks the first to begin with human rights criteria embedded in the bidding process, a coalition of organizations is raising alarm bells, arguing that current trends signal a concerning departure from those commitments.
The Erosion of Rights: A Multi-Front Challenge
The concerns aren’t isolated. A growing list of issues – escalating attacks on immigrants within the host nations, FIFA’s recent cancellation of anti-discrimination messaging, and increasing threats to media freedom – are converging to create a precarious situation. These aren’t merely peripheral concerns; they strike at the heart of the values FIFA publicly espouses. The awarding of the inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize” feels particularly dissonant against this backdrop, prompting scrutiny from Human Rights Watch, which has requested transparency regarding the nomination and judging process, receiving no response to date.
Workers’ Rights: Beyond Symbolic Gestures
The foundation of any successful mega-event is its workforce. As Cathy Feingold of the AFL-CIO emphasizes, workers – from stadium construction to hospitality – “make the World Cup possible.” However, ensuring their rights aren’t merely acknowledged but actively protected requires more than just statements of intent. This includes robust enforcement of labor laws, fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize. The challenge lies in translating FIFA’s framework into tangible benefits for the individuals building and operating the tournament infrastructure.
Media Freedom Under Pressure
A free and independent press is crucial for accountability and transparency. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) USA highlights a disturbing trend: journalists covering the World Cup are facing restricted access, visa threats, and safety concerns. Clayton Weimers of RSF USA rightly points out that billions rely on journalists to provide accurate and contextualized reporting. FIFA and host governments must proactively guarantee the safety and freedom of the press before, during, and after the event. Without it, the narrative surrounding the tournament risks being controlled rather than informed.
Immigration, Policing, and the Right to Enjoy the Game
Perhaps the most pressing concern is the potential for discriminatory policing and immigration enforcement at World Cup venues. Amnesty International USA stresses that attending a soccer match should not carry the risk of arbitrary detention or deportation. FIFA must secure binding guarantees from U.S. authorities to ensure the tournament is a safe space for all, regardless of immigration status. This isn’t simply about avoiding negative headlines; it’s about upholding fundamental human rights and ensuring the spirit of inclusivity that the World Cup aims to represent.
The Retreat on Anti-Discrimination and LGBTQ+ Safety
FIFA’s decision to cancel anti-racism and anti-discrimination messaging, initially at the Club World Cup, sent a chilling message. As Jamal Watkins of the NAACP notes, this retreat comes at a time when hate crimes are rising and DEI programs are under attack. Similarly, the lack of enforceable protections for LGBTQ+ players and fans, coupled with instances of homophobic chants, underscores the need for more than symbolic gestures. Matthew Pacifici, an Athlete Ally ambassador, emphasizes that LGBTQ+ individuals need to feel safe and protected, not abandoned.
Protecting Vulnerable Groups: Children and Unhoused Populations
The concerns extend beyond athletes and fans. Human Rights Watch has rightly condemned FIFA’s lack of a child safeguarding policy, highlighting the risks of trafficking, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse associated with major sporting events. Furthermore, Dignity 2026 points out the potential for displacement and criminalization of unhoused populations as host cities “beautify” for the tournament. These vulnerable groups must be prioritized and protected, not marginalized.
Host City Action Plans: A Critical Juncture
FIFA’s framework requires each of the 16 host cities to develop “human rights action plans.” However, these plans must be more than just paperwork. They require close collaboration with community partners, meaningful consultation with affected groups, and a commitment to concrete action. The next few months are critical for finalizing these plans and ensuring they are effectively implemented.
The 2026 World Cup presents a pivotal moment for FIFA. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate genuine leadership on human rights and set a new standard for mega-sporting events. However, the current trajectory is deeply concerning. The clock is ticking, and the pressure is mounting for FIFA to match its rhetoric with concrete action. The future of the tournament – and FIFA’s credibility – hangs in the balance. What steps will FIFA take to ensure the 2026 World Cup truly unites the world, and not at the expense of fundamental human rights? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
