Some human rights groups in the USA have sent a cautionary message to all fans, journalists, players and others who will be travelling to the state for the World Cup this summer.

The message was shared as a formal travel advisory via press releases with the consent of a coalition of over 120 human rights and civil liberties groups, led by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Amnesty International, on Thursday, April 23.

Parts of the statement told all fans and visitors to “exercise caution” if travelling to the United States amid an era they describe as “the Trump administration’s violent and abusive immigration crackdown”.

Also, according to ACLU Human Rights Program Director Jamil Dakwar, FIFA’s relationship with the American President, who he says has little regard for human rights, shows it is preaching a commitment it is far from upholding.

He said, “FIFA has been paying lip service to human rights while cosying up with the Trump administration, putting millions of people at risk of being harmed and their basic rights violated. The Trump administration’s rising authoritarianism and increasing violence pose serious risks to all.

Also a member of one of the 120 coalition Jennifer Li (Dignity 2026 coalition) added that, “We are still waiting for public commitments from FIFA and host city organisers about plans to protect residents, workers, and visitors.”

The coalition, which includes the American Civil Liberties Union, has called on FIFA to put pressure on US authorities “to respect the fundamental human rights of every person visiting and attending the games”.

The US government is yet to formally make any remarks on the coalition's concerns, but FIFA has reacted, assuring the public of its commitment to protect human rights and protect the vulnerable in particular.

FIFA said, it is “committed to respecting all internationally recognised human rights and shall strive to promote the protection of these rights”..... “commitment to human rights across all key activities and actors connected to the tournament”, citing several documents and advisory groups it has set up to address human rights issues”.

Other warnings issued by rights groups to travellers to USA

The rights group also cautioned travellers about the possibility of being arrested or even detained for no proper or fair reason, given the fact that U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers reserve the right to use their discretion to deny/admit a person entry.

“Arbitrary denial of entry and risk of arrest, detention and/or deportation of non‑U.S. nationals, even those with prior authorisation from the U.S. government. A visa or ESTA does not guarantee admission, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers have broad discretion to admit, detain, or deny entry at ports of entry,” the coalition noted in its message.

They also warned of social media screening, racial profiling, and increased surveillance for the countries that have been affected by the US government’s ban, including Iran, Haiti, Senegal and the Ivory Coast, which have all qualified for the World Cup set for this June which the Trump led administration will co-host alongside Canada and Mexico.

In December, Infantino awarded President Trump with FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize.

An immigration crackdown has been a key focus of the Trump administration, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) having its scope and budget significantly expanded.

ICE has faced criticism for its methods – especially following the fatal shooting of two US citizens who were protesting against the immigration crackdown.

US officials have said ICE agents will be part of World Cup security. Earlier this year, fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) told BBC Sport it was “extremely concerned by the ongoing militarisation of police forces in the US”.

Last month, a report from human rights campaign group Amnesty said the World Cup risked becoming “a stage for repression and a platform for authoritarian practices”.

In response to that, the White House’s World Cup Task Force said that the tournament will be “the largest, safest, and most welcoming sporting event in history” and that it was working to deliver an event “that highlights America’s hospitality, commitment to security, and spirit of excellence”.

It promised that fans “can look forward to a smooth, secure, and truly unforgettable tournament”.

Anticipated attendance

The FIFA World Cup scheduled for June-July 2026 is set to see approximately five to ten million people in attendance, as announced by the president of the football governing body, Gianni Infantino.

Speaking at a joint press briefing with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., on 17 November, he noted that the tournament is expected to attract millions of people across the three countries set to host the games next year.

“Millions of fans will be coming. One of the things I’ve observed in America is that the stadiums here are really built for people to have fun, to enjoy, to spend time. They don’t just watch the game and leave, they stay for hours, and I think that’s exactly what we need. We need occasions that bring people together from all over the world.”

The USA is giving priority access to fans, the Whitehouse has announced.

People from all over the World will travel to support their countries. Consequently, the Whitehouse has announced that fans set to travel for the tournament to the USA will be given the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (Pass), given that most of the matches will be played there.

The FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) is a special visa‑interview scheduling program created by the U.S. government and FIFA for the 2026 World Cup. It gives ticket holders priority access to U.S. visa appointments, ensuring fans can travel to matches in North America despite existing visa backlogs.

Speaking during a joint press briefing with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House in Washington, D.C., on 17 November, President Donald Trump mentioned that “I’ve directed my administration to do everything within their power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success.”

Detailing how the ‘World’ will gain access into the US, the Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that,ticket-holders for the tournament, set for next June and July in the US, Canada and Mexico, will not be automatically granted a tourist visa.

But foreign nationals with tickets to World Cup football matches could get an interview at an embassy or consulate within six to eight weeks of applying, Rubio said.

“Your ticket is not a visa; it doesn’t guarantee admission to the US. We’re going to do the same vetting as anybody else would get. The only difference here is we’re moving them up in the queue,” the Secretary noted.