FIFA’s failure to implement human rights commitments at 2026 Men’s World Cup left communities exposed, rights groups say

The Sport & Rights Alliance (SRA) and Football Supporters Europe (FSE) published a joint report Tuesday documenting the failure of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to implement its own human rights policies at the 2026 Men’s World Cup.

Frank Conde Tangberg, policy advisor at Amnesty International, commented on the contrast between how the tournament was promoted and the real effects of these failures, stating:

The unity and joy we saw on the pitch and in the stands were a world away from the fear and division beyond the stadiums. ICE raids surged, protests were blocked and discriminatory visa policies kept many fans from enjoying what was billed as ‘the most inclusive World Cup ever.’ Many of these violations stemmed from repressive and abusive government policies, but FIFA failed to use its leverage to protect fans and local communities.

The report is titled “Profit Over People: The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup,” and its findings demonstrate the “climate of fear” present at this year’s tournament.

Those issues “more directly within FIFA’s control” were identified as ticketing policies that made attendance for fans with disabilities nearly impossible; lack of transparency for journalists about accreditation and potential appeals; lack of access or identification of grievance mechanisms that FIFA had established to protect fans, stadium workers, and media members; and the lack of transparency in accreditation process and background checks for participating athletes.

For example, the ticketing structure violated disability legislation including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to ensure that accessible seats were not sold for a higher price and not reinstating free companion tickets for caregivers. According to the charity Level Playing Field, there was also a lack of clear communication from FIFA about accessibility measures, and whether adequate wheelchair user spaces and easy access seating were provided to supporters.

The organization pointed out this lack of clarity was a stark contrast to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar which received resounding praise from disability rights advocates worldwide for providing supportive environments with assistive technology for fans with sensory processing difficulties, widespread mobility assistance, and audio descriptive commentary.

Further, looking at immigration concerns – although visas are not within the legal control of FIFA, past presidents have worked with host governments to create tournament-specific measures that would facilitate international supporters’ attendance. Failure to do so meant that people from 39 countries were subject to full or partial restrictions in entering the US. As the report states, “These restrictions meant that countries could qualify for football’s biggest stage while their supporters were effectively prevented from attending.”

Human rights concerns were not only in the US. In Mexico, two journalists were detained and tear gas was used on planned protests. In Canada, immigration authorities rejected Global South visa applicants and street sweeps during setup displaced and traumatized people experiencing homelessness.

These organizations are also not the only ones to call out the human rights violations surrounding the 2026 World Cup. For example, Human Rights Watch (HRW) identified FIFA’s response to human rights threats as “weak” and brands the event as a “sportswashing bonanza for the Trump administration and a platform for abusive policies targeting immigrants and visitors, showcasing racism, exclusion, fear, and discrimination.” Sportswashing is defined as using events to cover up or whitewash serious human rights abuses within the host country.