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

[BumRushDaShow]

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/

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Link to PRESS RELEASE - Ninety U.S. civil society groups express “deep concern” to FIFA about immigration policies ahead of 2026 World Cup

Link to LETTER (PDF) - https://fairsq.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/FIFA_US_2026_updated.pdf

[Oopsie Daisy]

1. It will be cancelled. Watch.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

10. I don't know, but if they moved some or all of the games to Mexico & Canada, that would work

It's too big to cancel, because there are all kinds of qualification rounds for teams so teams train and plan according to a timetable.

But games could be shifted. Canada and Mexico are already hosting some games so gearing up for extra games shifted there is easier than cancelling or shifting to a different continent.

[Magoo48]

11. That would be magnificent.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

13. Thing is, there are lots of contracts and it might cost FIFA a bundle to cancel. However, brand damage

Damage to the FIFA brand could be bad if games are poorly attended or boycotted, and the debacle might considerably dim the exuberant hopes for a massive surge in professional soccer in the US. To avoid all that FIFA might decide it is worth cost, but I'm not expecting them to move or cancel locations.

[BonnieJW]

15. Canada has already issued an invitation.

I hope FIFA accepts

[Old Crank]

18. The games are split already between the 3 countries

So not all the games would have to be moved. Possibly 40%.
I'm sure FIFA could come up with a plan. They could spruce up a few other stadiums in Canada and Mexico. It probably wouldn't add much to team travel either and might make it shorter for teams in teh group stages.

[underpants]

28. No way. FIFA does whatever they want.

[SKKY]

34. I am a huge soccer fan, and I love America...

....but I genuinely hope FIFA, in protest, moves all the games to Canada and Mexico.

[Vogon_Glory]

2. If I were one of the senior FIFA executives, I'd move it. NOW

IF IT’s left in the US, fans and players will be barred from entering the US and the results would be disastrous.

[DBoon]

27. barred from entering or detained if they do enter

[Vogon_Glory]

31. Exactly. n/t

And this ICE will do that.

[Alice B.]

3. I don't know a thing about soccer but I pray daily that they move it.

[2naSalit]

4. FIFA...

Is well known for its corruption so I don't expect much response from the organization. Now if the athletes refuse to come, that's different.

I hope there is some resistance of some kind.

[LisaM]

5. They held it in Qatar last time despite vociferous opposition.

I don't expect FIFA to do anything.

[mdbl]

7. You're probably right. Money speaks louder than morals or ethics - even in sports.

[travelingthrulife]

8. At least they have been warned. If players and audience want to risk a permanent

address in El Salvador or Alligator Alley in order to attend a sporting event, then so be it. ICE promised to be there. Trump and Vance said they would arrest no players prior to the event, but will likely pluck them up immediately after.

[Polybius]

32. If the main athletes refuse, and they instead hire replacement-level players, then the US might have a chance to win

Interesting to say the least.

[Javaman]

6. the equivalent to the 1936 olympics. nt

[RockCreek]

9. about to post same, thank you!

[Blackjackdavey]

12. Except in this case

The US team is no one's idea of a favorite, a dark horse or a contender. It would take an actual act of dictatorship to see the team anywhere near the finals -- but that's a lock for a few South American teams and at least one or two African teams. Point is, it won't be a glorious triumph, against the odds, in the face of fascism such as Jesse Owens. The outcome will be as expected. I suspect Trump will lose interest quickly, although it would be slightly amusing to hear him start talking up our überlegene spieler during the build up.

[Prairie Gates]

14. It will only be a "glorious triumph, against the odds" if England wins

[Javaman]

19. don't you worry dear leader will find all the excuses he needs as to why our glorious home team loses.

he will blame everything and everyone even though they hadn't had a chance.

[DBoon]

29. it will be Biden's fault

[Javaman]

30. but of course, that's why I'm not dear leader. I would have never thought of that. LOL

alway a convenient out for the low wattage out there.

[sdfernando]

16. Ummm....just one little thing here

"use its influence to encourage the U.S. government to guarantee the fundamental rights of the millions of foreign visitors and fans."

This administration is nothing but a den of liars! Securing a "guarantee" is worth less than the paper its written on!

[OldBaldy1701E]

20. Yup. (n/t)

[Old Crank]

17. I'm sure many countries would be happy to skip the US

for this tournament. I'm sure they can hold it in Canada and Mexico and reschedule matches in the US.

Who knows what the border goons will be up to for the tournament.

[AllyCat]

21. They are right to be concerned.

We are not safe here. Why would they be safe?

No one should come here. Unless they are coming to save us (they aren't), no one should come here.

[Historic NY]

22. An ICE field day

on and off the field.

[et tu]

23. well it's not the wwe so

krasnov 'don't care'

[obamanut2012]

24. And the Olympics

[Lonestarblue]

25. Will border control agents turn away all non-white players and attendees?

Actually, even white people are not safe as two German girls and a guy from Finland went sent back home for spurious reasons. I hope the US portions of the games are poorly attended and the blame goes yo Trump.

[Raven123]

26. It will be interesting to see the attendance numbers.

Expect nothing from FIFA.

[prodigitalson]

33. The last one was in Qatar...in case you are wondering how much FIFA gives a shit about how immigrants are treated

in host countries