A coalition of prominent human rights organisations has issued a stark warning to FIFA, demanding the global football governing body break its silence on mounting human rights risks linked to the 2026 World Cup. The tournament, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, faces significant scrutiny over the treatment of migrant workers and plans for policing and surveillance.
Specific Concerns and Demands Outlined
The joint statement, released by groups including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the Sport & Rights Alliance, highlights several critical areas. A primary focus is the welfare of migrant workers involved in constructing and servicing the tournament's infrastructure. The groups point to the persistent issues of wage theft, dangerous working conditions, and restrictive employment practices documented in host countries, particularly within the hospitality and construction sectors.
Furthermore, the statement raises alarms about the potential for discriminatory policing and increased surveillance in the name of event security. The organisations cite past major sporting events where marginalised communities, including people of colour and homeless populations, faced disproportionate targeting and displacement. They insist FIFA must publicly commit to preventing such abuses and ensure its human rights policies are rigorously enforced by local organisers.
FIFA's Silence and Legal Obligations
The core criticism levelled at FIFA is its perceived failure to proactively address these predictable problems. "FIFA cannot be a silent bystander," the coalition asserts, arguing that the organisation's own human rights policy, strengthened after the controversies of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, creates a binding duty to act. The groups contend that with three years until the tournament kicks off, there is still time for FIFA to implement robust due diligence and hold host cities accountable.
The statement calls for transparent and ongoing human rights risk assessments, the establishment of effective grievance mechanisms for workers and communities, and clear, public guarantees regarding the protection of free speech and assembly. The 2026 World Cup presents a monumental logistical challenge, and human rights advocates argue that its legacy must not be tarnished by the exploitation of vulnerable individuals or the erosion of civil liberties.
The Road to 2026 and Potential Repercussions
This public challenge places FIFA under intense pressure to demonstrate that the lessons from previous tournaments have been genuinely learned. The organisation has promoted its commitment to sustainability and human rights, but campaigners demand concrete action, not just rhetoric. The coming months will be crucial as planning intensifies and construction projects advance.
Failure to adequately respond could lead to sustained campaigns and protests in the lead-up to the event, damaging the tournament's reputation. The human rights coalition has made it clear they will continue to monitor the situation closely, urging sponsors, broadcasters, and national football associations to join their calls for FIFA to uphold its stated principles. The world will be watching to see if the beautiful game can be hosted without a human rights stain.
