Seven days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, human rights organizations denounced that the United States faces a “climate of fear, uncertainty and repression” that could affect both fans and residents during the tournament that will be held jointly with Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.

Activists pointed out that restrictions on obtaining visas, the tightening of border controls and the increase in immigration surveillance generate concern among fans, journalists and workers linked to the tournament.

Minky Worden, director of Global Initiatives at Human Rights Watch, maintained that “no one can enjoy the World Cup if a masked agent asks for your passport upon entering a stadium,” referring to the visible presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents in different parts of the country.

The activist insisted that “asking for a truce from ICE is for the benefit of the tournament itself,” returning to a proposal promoted by HRW to temporarily suspend aggressive immigration operations during the championship.

According to data cited by HRW, during 2025 immigration authorities made tens of thousands of arrests in the eleven American cities that will host World Cup matches, a situation that, they warn, could discourage the attendance of international fans.

However, concerns are not limited to civil organizations. Various migrant defense groups have launched information campaigns and legal assistance networks in host cities to guide visitors and residents about their rights in the event of possible immigration operations.

Additionally, a survey conducted by The Washington Post and the University of Maryland found that 65% of Americans oppose the presence of ICE agents in stadiums during the World Cup, reflecting the debate that has generated the role of immigration authorities in an event that is expected to attract millions of international visitors.