As millions prepare to arrive, experts raise concerns about immigration policies, civil rights protections, worker safeguards, and community impacts.

With the countdown underway for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States is preparing to host the largest sporting event ever staged. Spread across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the tournament is expected to attract millions of visitors, generate billions in economic activity, and place unprecedented global attention on North America. Yet alongside the excitement, advocates, researchers, and civil rights organizations are asking whether the United States is prepared to deliver on FIFA’s promise of an inclusive and welcoming World Cup.

During a briefing hosted by American Community Media, experts from Human Rights Watch, the NAACP, and the Migration Policy Institute examined the opportunities and challenges surrounding the tournament. Their discussion highlighted concerns ranging from immigration enforcement and visa restrictions to worker protections, child safeguarding, freedom of expression, and the treatment of immigrant communities.

Human rights questions shadow a historic tournament

According to Minky Worden, Director of Global Initiatives at Human Rights Watch, the 2026 FIFA World Cup was envisioned as the first World Cup fully governed by a human rights framework developed after widespread criticism of previous tournaments in Russia and Qatar.

Worden noted that the United States will host 78 of the tournament’s 104 matches, making it the primary stage for an event FIFA has described as the most inclusive World Cup in history. However, she argued that current immigration policies, visa restrictions, and enforcement practices could undermine that vision. Several countries participating in the tournament are affected by travel restrictions, potentially limiting the ability of fans, journalists, and family members to attend.

Human Rights Watch has called for what it describes as an “ICE truce” during the tournament, urging federal authorities to suspend immigration enforcement actions that could discourage immigrant communities from attending matches or participating in related events. The organization also raised concerns about journalists crossing international borders throughout the tournament and the risks they may face while covering protests and public demonstrations.

Children and immigrant families face additional concerns

Katherine La Puente, Children’s Rights Senior Coordinator at Human Rights Watch, emphasized that FIFA only recently adopted child safeguarding measures despite years of advocacy from human rights groups.

She warned that major sporting events can create heightened risks for children, including trafficking, exploitation, family separation, and inadequate reporting mechanisms for abuse. While acknowledging FIFA’s recent policy efforts, La Puente questioned whether there is sufficient time to fully implement and enforce protections before the tournament begins.

The discussion also highlighted the impact of immigration enforcement on families. Human Rights Watch cited cases involving parents detained during soccer-related events, leaving children separated from family members and facing lasting emotional consequences. Advocates argued that stronger protections are needed to ensure that children and immigrant families can safely participate in World Cup activities without fear.

Civil rights advocates warn of security and inclusion challenges

Jamal R. Watkins, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Advancement at the NAACP, described the World Cup as an extraordinary opportunity that is unfolding against a politically charged backdrop.

Watkins said civil rights organizations are closely monitoring issues involving freedom of expression, workers’ rights, immigration enforcement, public safety, and community inclusion. He stressed that host cities must ensure the tournament remains welcoming for players, fans, journalists, workers, and local residents.

The NAACP has advocated for stronger racial equity standards, worker protections, and accessible remedies for individuals whose rights may be violated during the event. Watkins also expressed concern that heightened security measures could lead to excessive enforcement and increased surveillance, particularly affecting immigrant and minority communities.

At the same time, he questioned whether the economic benefits generated by the tournament will reach local communities or primarily benefit large corporations and major stakeholders. Advocates continue to push for stronger community benefit agreements and labor protections in host cities.

Immigration policies could shape the visitor experience

Ariel G. Ruiz Soto, Senior Policy Analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, focused on how immigration policies may influence the overall tournament experience.

Ruiz Soto explained that travelers from dozens of countries currently face varying degrees of visa restrictions, while some visitors could encounter additional financial and administrative requirements before entering the United States. These policies, he argued, create unequal access to an event intended to unite fans from around the world.

He also noted that the political environment surrounding immigration differs significantly from the conditions that existed when the United States, Canada, and Mexico jointly secured hosting rights. As a result, questions remain about how visitors, supporters, journalists, and even some participating national teams will navigate cross-border travel throughout the tournament.

Despite these concerns, Ruiz Soto emphasized that the World Cup still represents a unique opportunity to showcase international cooperation and cultural exchange if governments, organizers, and local communities can work together to address existing barriers.

A global celebration and a national test

As kickoff approaches, the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to deliver unforgettable sporting moments and unprecedented international attention. Yet for many advocates and policy experts, the tournament will also serve as a measure of how effectively the United States can balance security, accessibility, civil liberties, and inclusion on a global stage.

The success of the event may ultimately be judged not only by what happens on the field, but by whether millions of visitors, workers, journalists, immigrant families, and local communities feel genuinely welcomed as the world arrives on America’s doorstep.