April 27 (Reuters) – FIFA should pressure the U.S. government to impose an “ICE truce” for this year’s World Cup, including a public guarantee from federal authorities to refrain from immigration enforcement operations at matches and venues, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report published on Monday.
The 2026 World Cup – the first edition of the global showpiece with 48 teams – will be jointly organized by the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been the face of President Donald Trump’s administration’s heavy-handed immigration and deportation policies.
Rights groups have condemned the crackdown, saying it has led to violations of freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial and created an unsafe environment, especially for minorities. Trump views his actions as necessary to improve homeland security and curb illegal immigration.
“FIFA must act urgently to address the risks of human rights abuses for athletes, fans and employees,” HRW said. “One concrete thing it should do is convince the Trump administration to close an ‘ICE truce’…
“Gianni Infantino (FIFA president) and his FIFA colleagues should use their power to demand that the Trump administration do what is right for the Games,” it added.
“Abolish discriminatory travel bans, refrain from unlawful immigration enforcement operations in and around the World Cup venues, protect the rights of children and commit to upholding freedom of assembly and expression.”
The idea is borrowed from the ‘Olympic Truce’, a tradition dating back to ancient Greece, when warring city-states halted hostilities so athletes and spectators could travel safely to the Games.
“The 2026 World Cup will undoubtedly be one of the largest and most spectacular events in human history, drawing millions of fans from around the world to 11 host cities across America,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Reuters.
“This will be a monumental event that will require close coordination between the Trump Administration, FIFA and all of our major federal, state and local partners.
“President Trump wants to ensure that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and attendees, but also the safest in history – and no amount of ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media will change that.”
Concerns mounted Thursday when advocacy groups issued a travel advisory that visitors traveling to the U.S. for the World Cup could face arbitrary detention or deportation, among other human rights violations.
Fans, players, journalists and other visitors could face racial profiling, searches of electronic devices or risk cruel or inhumane treatment if they end up in immigration detention centers, the advisory said.
Thursday’s warnings followed a statement from Amnesty International in March that the tournament is far from the “safe, free and inclusive” event promised by FIFA.
“DHS (US Department of Homeland Security) will work with our local and federal partners to secure the 2026 FIFA World Cup – in accordance with federal law of the US Constitution – as we do with every major sporting event, while showcasing American greatness to the entire world,” a DHS spokesperson told Reuters.
“Our mission is simple: ensure every fan – Americans and visitors alike – has a safe and memorable experience.
“International visitors who come legally to the United States for the World Cup have nothing to worry about. What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is whether or not he or she is in the U.S. illegally. Speculation to the contrary is ill-informed.
“At the same time, foreign visitors MUST be proactive and start working on their travel plans and documents well in advance to ensure a smooth travel experience.”
HRW also said it had written to Infantino asking for details on the nominees, jury members, terms of reference and selection process for FIFA’s inaugural peace prize.
Trump received the award in December for what world soccer’s global governing body said were his efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in troubled areas around the world.
“By creating this award, Infantino risks turning the 2026 World Cup into yet another sportswashing event in a world that already has far too many,” HRW added.
Reuters has contacted FIFA for comment.
