World Cup 2026: FIFA Needs to Act on Human Rights

The Call for Action

As the excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, a collective voice of human rights organizations, trade unions, and fan groups is urging FIFA to convert its grand statements into tangible actions. This call comes in light of FIFA’s upcoming World Cup draw, planned for December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, where it will also award its inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize.”

Organizations such as the Sport & Rights Alliance, the ACLU, and Amnesty International have banded together to advocate for a World Cup that respects the rights of fans, players, workers, journalists, and local communities. The magnitude of this event presents a unique opportunity to establish a new standard of human rights protections within FIFA events, a notion underscored by advocates who are aiming for robust worker protections, children’s rights safeguards, and press freedoms.

Workers’ Rights: A Crucial Focus

The 2026 World Cup represents not just a celebration of football but also a critical juncture for workers’ rights. According to Cathy Feingold, International Director at AFL-CIO, it’s essential that FIFA adheres to its commitments that ensure fair working conditions for everyone involved, from stadium construction to match operation. “Workers make the World Cup possible,” she emphasized, indicating that the effective implementation of labor rights must be a priority in the build-up to the tournament.

Media Freedom in the Spotlight

As billions tune in to watch the World Cup, journalists play a pivotal role in delivering accurate and contextual information about the event and its host nations. However, Clayton Weimers, executive director of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) USA, expressed concern over the increasing restrictions on journalists’ access and safety. He stated that FIFA, alongside U.S. authorities, must guarantee freedom of expression and create a safe environment for the media during the World Cup.

Immigration and Law Enforcement Concerns

The threat of excessive policing, especially toward immigrants, casts a shadow over what should be a celebratory atmosphere. Daniel Noroña from Amnesty International emphasized that attending a soccer match should never lead to fear of arbitrary arrests or deportations. FIFA is called to engage with U.S. authorities to secure guarantees ensuring a safe space free from discrimination and unjust law enforcement behaviors.

Civil Rights and Anti-Discrimination Efforts

The cancellation of anti-racism and discrimination messaging at FIFA events has alarmed community advocates. Jamal Watkins from the NAACP highlighted the chilling impact this decision has on communities of color, especially as hate crimes rise. The message is clear: FIFA must not retreat from its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, especially in these testing times.

Protecting Athletes and LGBTQ+ Rights

For many, the World Cup serves as a platform for showcasing global diversity, yet it must also guarantee a safe and affirming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals. Matthew Pacifici, an athlete ally, advocated for enforceable protections beyond mere gestures, citing past incidents of homophobic behavior at FIFA events. For LGBTQ+ athletes and fans, knowing that FIFA stands for their safety is paramount.

Ensuring Supporter Participation and Safety

Fans are the heartbeat of every sporting event, yet decisions affecting their safety are often made without their input. Bailey Brown, president of the Independent Supporters Council, emphasized the importance of including fan voices in decision-making processes. The call for transparency and consultation is not just a matter of good governance; it’s about recognizing the foundational role fans play in the beautiful game.

Inclusion Beyond the Ticket Price

As the news cycle gears up, questions about ticket affordability loom large. Ronan Evain from Football Supporters Europe pointed out the risk of alienating fans through high ticket prices, stressing that inclusivity should be at the forefront. “The nature of the game should not be threatened by profit,” he cautioned, urging FIFA to rethink its pricing strategies.

Addressing Child Safeguarding Measures

Perhaps one of the more pressing yet overlooked issues is the absence of a safeguarding policy for children during the World Cup. Katherine La Puente from Human Rights Watch highlighted that major sporting events could expose children to various risks, including trafficking and exploitation, unless effective protective measures are established.

Community Rights and Resident Protections

FIFA has a responsibility to ensure that local communities benefit from hosting the World Cup. Jennifer Li from Dignity 2026 stressed that residents, especially those in vulnerable situations, should not be marginalized or criminalized under beautification initiatives. The ethos of uniting the world must also extend to protecting the dignity of all community members.

Commitment to Human Rights Frameworks

FIFA’s human rights framework for the 2026 World Cup mandates that every host city develop its own action plan to promote labor rights, combat discrimination, and safeguard children, among other initiatives. With the primary goal of preventing abuses against marginalized groups, it is crucial that these plans not only exist on paper but are actively implemented with measurable outcomes.

The human rights conversation surrounding the 2026 World Cup is not only timely but essential. As we count down to the tournament, the expectations are high for FIFA to ensure an event that celebrates the spirit of football while thoughtfully addressing and rectifying human rights concerns. The world will be watching closely.