Human Rights Watch warned Wednesday that stringent U.S. immigration enforcement policies could endanger foreign attendees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing a recent detention of an asylum seeker as a cautionary example.
The human rights organization highlighted the case of a father who was detained for three months by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after attending the Club World Cup final in New Jersey in July with his children.
Minky Worden, HRW’s director of global initiatives, stated the man was subsequently deported to a country where he claims his life is at risk.
Worden emphasized that U.S. immigration enforcement at large sports events can separate families and expose individuals fleeing persecution to mortal danger.
HRW views this incident as proof of “the limitations of FIFA’s efforts to address the serious human rights risks that foreigners face at FIFA events.”
The organization has urged FIFA to pressure U.S. authorities against focusing immigration enforcement on World Cup events, similar to practices during the Club World Cup.
HRW also criticized the immigration policies of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The next FIFA World Cup is scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026, hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The final draw for the tournament groups is set for Friday at the Kennedy Center in Washington, with President Trump expected to attend.