Rights groups urge FIFA to ensure inclusive World Cup

 Rights groups have urged ⁠FIFA to ensure the 2026 World Cup upholds commitments to ​inclusivity and safety, warning ​that U.S. immigration policies and concerns over press freedom could undermine the tournament. The Sport & Rights Alliance said the governing body had promised a 'safe, welcoming and inclusive' competition under its Human Rights Framework but that rhetoric and ⁠immigration policies under U.S. President Donald Trump risked creating fear ⁠among fans, journalists and communities. 'Football brings the world together - but not if U.S. visa bans and mass deportation raids keep immigrants, workers, journalists, communities, ‌and fans away,' the coalition of ​rights groups wrote ⁠in a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino ​released on Thursday.
The 2026 World ‌Cup, the first to feature 48 teams, will be held across the United States, ​Canada and Mexico, with matches staged in 16 host cities.
Asked about the concerns, the White House said the administration was focused on delivering a successful event.
'President Trump is focused on making this the greatest World ‌Cup ever while ensuring it is the safest and ​most secure in history,' White House spokesman Davis Ingle said when ​asked ‌for ⁠comment.
The coalition also urged FIFA to work with host governments to guarantee access for fans and media and to ensure the ​tournament respects rights including free expression, press freedom ⁠and protections ​for workers and local communities.
'With weeks until kick-off, most of the 16 World Cup host committees still have not released the Human Rights Action Plans they are supposed to produce,' it ​said. 'It is impossible to manage human rights risks ​without identifying them and putting in place systems to manage them.'