Nearly 100 civil rights groups have signed a letter sent to FIFA expressing concern over United States immigration policies ahead of the men’s soccer World Cup next year, which will feature several matches hosted in New Jersey.
The July 1 letter, first reported by The Athletic, urged soccer’s top governing body to “use its influence to encourage the U.S. government to guarantee the fundamental rights of the millions of foreign visitors and fans.” The message cited recent policies enforced by President Donald Trump, including a full travel ban for citizens of 12 countries and nationwide raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.
“If FIFA continues to stay silent, not only will millions be placed at risk, but the FIFA brand will also be used as a public relations tool to whitewash the reputation of an increasingly authoritarian government,” the civil rights organizations stated.
Groups that signed the letter include Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP. The message was also signed by unions based in eight states scheduled to host World Cup matches: New York, Pennsylvania, California, Massachusetts, Florida, Georgia, Texas and Missouri.
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford will be the site of eight fixtures during the 2026 World Cup, including the final on July 19. The United States is co-hosting the tournament along with Mexico and Canada.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino supported the efforts of the U.S. to host the World Cup at the annual FIFA Congress in Paraguay May 15, where he said foreigners will have no issues entering the country next summer.
“The world is welcome in America,” Infantino said. “Of course, the players, of course, everyone involved, all of us, but definitely also all the fans.”
Vice President JD Vance, in a May 6 White House event touting the upcoming tournament, shared the same sentiment but warned travelers not to overstay their visas.
“We want them to come, we want them to celebrate, we want them to watch the game,” he said. “But when the time is up, they’ll have to go home. Otherwise, they will have to talk to (U.S. Homeland Security) Secretary (Kristi) Noem.”
The 2026 World Cup kicks off June 11 in Mexico City.