An estimated 5 million to 10 million visitors are expected at the 2026 World Cup — and more than 120 civil-society groups warn many could face immigration checks, detention or invasive social-media screening when traveling in the United States. The American Civil Liberties Union and Amnesty International led an April 23 advisory that flags six categories of risk and urges fans, players and journalists to have contingency plans. The groups say FIFA, local organizers and the U.S. government have not offered binding guarantees to protect visitors and residents.

What the advisory says

On Thursday, civil liberties groups circulated a joint notice for international travelers ahead of the World Cup, citing a worsening human rights climate in the United States and the lack of concrete protections from organizers. The advisory lists six areas of concern and urges people visiting for the tournament to "exercise caution and have an emergency contingency plan when travelling to and within the United States," language that the coalition says reflects broad risks at ports of entry and inside host cities.

The groups point to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers' discretion to admit or deny entry, and to what they describe as an expanding practice of screening travelers' social media accounts. The advisory warns that non-U.S. nationals face a risk of arrest, detention or deportation, and that evolving travel restrictions could bar or limit entry for some visitors.

Those warnings are framed as practical advice for fans, players, journalists and other visitors. The coalition recommends steps such as carrying copies of travel documents, sharing emergency contacts with companions and planning alternate travel routes. The advisory also urges visitors to be mindful of local policing practices and to seek legal assistance if they face problems at a border or on U.S. soil.

Who is behind the warning

The advisory is spearheaded by the American Civil Liberties Union and Amnesty International along with a coalition of more than 120 civil society groups and local activists.

Mastheads

Jamil Dakwar, director of the ACLU’s human rights program, said the organisations issued the advisory because they see ongoing abusive actions by federal authorities and insufficient pressure from FIFA on the U.S. government.

Jennifer Li, who runs Dignity 2026, a national coalition that coordinates with grassroots groups in host cities, said organizers and FIFA have been silent about specific safety guarantees. "We are still waiting for public commitments from FIFA and host city organizers about plans to protect residents, workers, and visitors," Li said, arguing that the absence of such commitments leaves migrants, people of color and foreign visitors exposed.

FIFA, the White House and host cities

The advisory directly challenges FIFA and local organizers to provide binding protections. Dakwar accused FIFA of offering only rhetorical support for human rights and of aligning too closely with the Trump administration, a stance he said puts millions of people at risk.

The White House rejected the premise of the advisory and said the administration is focused on making the World Cup safe and secure. The administration's public line frames the tournament as a major national success and a boon to tourism and local economies.

Local host cities have faced pressure from organizers and activists alike. Dignity 2026 and allied groups have demanded clarity on how policing will operate at public events, how workers — including temporary staff and subcontractors — will be protected, and how authorities will treat migrants and visitors who may lack documentation or who have travel histories that could attract scrutiny.

Political stakes

The advisory lands amid broader debate over immigration policy, public safety and the responsibilities of organizers and governments in ensuring the rights and safety of visitors and residents.

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The White House says it is focused on making the tournament safe and secure. Rights groups say those assurances fall short without binding guarantees from FIFA, host cities and the U.S. government.

This article was created with AI assistance.