World Cup
Amnesty warns of ‘huge’ human rights risks at 2026 World Cup
Millions of fans heading to the 2026 World Cup face significant human rights risks, Amnesty International said, warning that the tournament is drifting far from the “safe, free and inclusive” event originally promised by world soccer’s governing body FIFA.
With just over 10 weeks until the June 11 kickoff in Mexico, the human rights group said the United States, which will host three-quarters of the matches, was experiencing a “human rights emergency” driven by mass deportations, aggressive immigration enforcement and restrictions on protests.
“There are huge risks around this tournament,” Steve Cockburn, Amnesty’s head of economic and social justice, told Reuters.
“This does not feel like … the safe, free, and equal World Cup and the inclusive World Cup that was promised eight years ago when it was awarded, but also may be quite different from how it felt even just 18 months ago.
“It’s a deeply troubling time in the U.S., which will certainly extend to fans who want to take part in World Cup celebrations.”
The U.S., Mexico and Canada will co-host the finals.
FIFA has been contacted for comment.
MASS ARRESTS AND DEPORTATIONS
Amnesty said more than 500,000 people were deported from the U.S. last year, more than six times the capacity of New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium which hosts the final.
The group said mass arrests and deportations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other agencies had torn communities apart and could spill into World Cup celebrations.
Amnesty called on FIFA to use its “enormous leverage” with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to secure public guarantees that immigration enforcement would not take place around stadiums, fan zones, watch parties or other World Cup-related events.
“We need clear assurances there will be no ICE presence around venues so people can attend without fear of arbitrary arrest or deportation,” Cockburn said.
He called for guarantees that planned protests would be allowed and facilitated.
Amnesty said bans on fans from Senegal, Ivory Coast, Haiti and Iran entering the country should be lifted, and protective measures put in place for LGBTQ+ fans.
RISKS IN MEXICO AND CANADA ALSO
In Mexico, where authorities have announced the deployment of around 100,000 security personnel, including 20,000 troops, the group warned that heavy militarisation could lead to abuses and the suppression of protests.
Mexico has a long history of human rights violations linked to military deployments, including enforced disappearances and torture, Cockburn said.
He noted that residents have already protested against gentrification, housing displacement and water shortages linked to World Cup preparations.
On the opening day of the tournament in Mexico City, women’s groups plan to march to demand justice for relatives who have disappeared.
Cockburn said Amnesty wanted FIFA, the security forces and Mexican government to ensure that happened and allow a spotlight on the issue.
In Canada, Amnesty pointed to concerns that World Cup preparations could worsen conditions for homeless people.
The group fears efforts to “beautify” Vancouver and Toronto could lead to the homeless being forcibly moved from encampments, echoing what occurred during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
The group noted the recent closure of a winter warming centre used by homeless people in Toronto after the venue was booked for FIFA-related activities.
NOT SAYING ‘DON’T GO’
“This event will generate billions of dollars of economic impact and bring hundreds of thousands of jobs to our country. The President is focused on making this the greatest World Cup ever while ensuring it is the safest and most secure in history,” a White House spokesperson said.
The Office of the Minister of Public Safety said Canada was committed to hosting a World Cup “that reflects our values of respect for human rights, inclusion, and the rule of law”.
“We take these issues seriously and remain actively engaged with all levels of government, law enforcement, and community organizations to ensure the tournament is secure, fair, and welcoming for everyone,” said a spokesperson.
There was no immediate response from authorities in Mexico.
Amnesty said fans should be aware of the risks and their rights before travelling.
“We’re not saying don’t go. We’re not saying don’t enjoy it,” Cockburn said. “I really hope the fans do go and enjoy it. But it’s been about knowing the reality and making those judgements.”
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By Kunle Solaja.
The line-up is complete: 48 teams will contest the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, and the first to be staged across three nations — the United States, Mexico and Canada. Iraq sealed the final spot, ending a 40-year absence from the global showpiece.
The West Asian side last appeared at the 1986 Mexico tournament and, in a fitting twist, booked their return to a tournament that will again kick off on Mexican soil. The expanded field features a compelling mix of global heavyweights, established contenders and four debutants, underscoring the tournament’s new, inclusive format.
With the stage now fully set for the June 11 to July 19 spectacle, the world’s finest are ready. These are the competitors:
· UNITED STATES – qualified as hosts.
Best performance: Third place (1930)
- MEXICO – qualified as hosts.
Best performance: Quarter-finals (1970, 1986)
- CANADA – qualified as hosts
Best performance: Group stage (1986, 2022)
- JAPAN – Qualified on: March 20
Best performance: Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022)
- NEW ZEALAND – Qualified on: March 24
Best performance: Group stage (1982, 2010)
- IRAN – Qualified on: March 25
Best performance: Group stage (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022)
- ARGENTINA – Qualified on: March 25
Best performance: Winners (1978, 1986, 2022)
- UZBEKISTAN – Qualified on: June 5
Best performance: Never previously qualified
SOUTH KOREA – Qualified on: June 5
Best performance: Fourth place (2002)
- JORDAN – Qualified on: June 5
Best performance: Never previously qualified
- AUSTRALIA – Qualified on: June 10
Best performance: Round of 16 (2006, 2022)
- BRAZIL – Qualified on: June 10, 2025
Best performance: Winners (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
- ECUADOR – Qualified on: June 10, 2025
Best performance: Round of 16 (2006)
- URUGUAY – Qualified on: September 4, 2025
Best performance: Winners (1930, 1950)
- COLOMBIA – Qualified on: September 4, 2025
Best performance: Quarter-finals (2014)
- PARAGUAY- Qualified on: September 4, 2025
Best performance: Quarter-finals (2010)
- MOROCCO – Qualified on: September 5, 2025
Best performance: Semi-finals (2022)
- TUNISIA – Qualified on: September 8, 2025
Best performance: Group Stage (1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022)
- EGYPT – Qualified on: October 8, 2025
Best performance: Round of 16 (1934)
- ALGERIA – Qualified on: October 9, 2025
Best performance: Round of 16 (2014)
- GHANA – Qualified on: October 12, 2025
Best performance: Quarter-finals (2010)
- CAPE VERDE – Qualified on: October 13, 2025
Best performance: Never previously qualified
- SOUTH AFRICA – Qualified on: October 14, , 2025
Best performance: Group stage (1998, 2002, 2010)
- QATAR – Qualified on: October 14, 2025
Best performance: Group stage (2022)
- ENGLAND – Qualified on: October 14, 2025
Best performance: Winners (1966)
- SAUDI ARABIA – Qualified on: October 14, 2025
Best performance: Round of 16 (1994)
- COTE D’IVOIRE – Qualified on: October 14, 2025
Best performance: Group stage (2006, 2010, 2014)
- SENEGAL – Qualified on: October 14, 2025
Best performance: Quarter-finals (2002)
- FRANCE
Qualified on: November 13, 2025
Best performance: Winners (1998, 2018)
- CROATIA – Qualified on: November 14, 2025
Best performance: Runners-up (2018)
- PORTUGAL – Qualified on: November 16, 2025
Best performance: Third place (1966)
- NORWAY – Qualified on: November 16, 2025
Best performance: Round of 16 (1938, 1998)
- GERMANY – Qualified on: November 17, 2025
Best performance: Winners (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014)
- NETHERLANDS – Qualified on: November 17, 2025
Best performance: Runners-up (1974, 1978, 2010)
- BELGIUM – Qualified on: November 18, 2025
Best performance: Third place (2018)
- AUSTRIA – Qualified on: November 18, 2025
Best performance: Third place (1954)
- SWITZERLAND – Qualified on: November 18, 2025
Best performance: Quarter-finals (1934, 1938, 1954)
- SPAIN – Qualified on: November 18, 2025
Best performance: Winners (2010)
- SCOTLAND – Qualified on: November 18, 2025
Best performance: Group stage (1954, 1958, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1998)
- PANAMA – Qualified on: November 19, 2025
Best performance: Group stage (2018)
- HAITI – Qualified on: November 19
Best performance: Group stage (1974)
CURACAO – Qualified on: November 19, 2025
Best performance: Never previously qualified
- SWEDEN – Qualified on: March 31, 2026
Best performance: Runners-up (1958)
- TURKEY – Qualified on: March 31, 2026
Best performance: Third place (2002)
- CZECH REPUBLIC – Qualified on: March 31, 2026
Best performance: Runners-up (1934, 1962)
- BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – Qualified on: March 31, 2026
Best performance: Group stage (2014)
- DR CONGO – Qualified on: March 31, 2026
Best performance: Group stage (1974)
- IRAQ – Qualified on: March 31, 2026
Best performance: Group stage (1986)
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Iraq grabbed the last available place at the World Cup by beating Bolivia 2-1 in their inter-confederation playoff on Tuesday, sealing their return to the finals after a 40-year absence.
Aymen Hussein steered home a second-half winner to see the Iraqis become the 48th and last team to qualify for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the U.S.
Ali Al Hamadi handed Iraq a 10th-minute lead at the Monterrey Stadium, but Bolivia were level at the break through Moises Paniagua.
Iraq will compete in Group I at the June 11 to July 19 World Cup along with France, Norway and Senegal.
Iraq, the ninth team from Asia to qualify, were quickly out of the blocks and Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra made a fingertip save to push Amir Al Ammari’s curling free kick onto his crossbar.
But from the resultant corner, Al Hamadi, who plays for Luton Town in League One, got ahead of the Bolivia defence to head home the opener.
Bolivia slowly recovered from the shock of the early setback and by the break were deservedly level.
Their equaliser came when Ramiro Vaca’s forward pass, which looked initially to be a shot on goal, found Paniagua, who then had time to turn and slam home the ball from close range.
Iraq went ahead again in the 53rd minute as substitute Marko Farji’s cross found Hussein, who reacted quickest and got ahead of his marker to steer home.
Mohanad Ali had a chance to score a third for Iraq and finish off the game near full time but squandered the opportunity.
Bolivia forced several late corners as they desperately bid to take the game into extra time but Iraq finished the fresher of the two sides.
“I must congratulate the players who played with real Iraqi mentality, fighting and putting their bodies on the line , and that’s why we won the game,” said Iraq coach Graham Arnold.
“You’ve got to give full credit to Bolivia, because they played well. And it was just through the great defending from our players, who put their bodies on the line, as I said, and we defended the crosses really well. That’s why we won the game.
“I am so happy that we’ve made 46 million people happy, and especially with what’s going on in the Middle East at the moment,” added Arnold, who took his native Australia to the round of 16 at the last World Cup in Qatar.
The Iraqis were seeded straight into the playoff decider, while Bolivia first had to get past Suriname in Monterrey last Thursday.
Iraq’s only previous World Cup appearance was in Mexico in 1986, where they lost all three group games.
–REUTERS
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Africa’s presence at this summer’s FIFA World Cup will increase to 10 teams after the Democratic Republic of Congo edged Jamaica 1-0 after extra time in a tense Intercontinental Playoff clash in Guadalajara, Mexico, early Wednesday morning.
The decisive Path 1 encounter, which kicked off at 10 pm GMT on Tuesday, was settled deep into extra time, with Axel Tuanzebe emerging as the unlikely hero to send the Leopards back to the global stage for the first time in 52 years.
DR Congo, competing at the World Cup for the first time since their 1974 appearance as Zaire, became the 47th nation to book a place at the tournament. They will now feature in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan.
In a match largely devoid of clear-cut chances, both sides adopted a cautious approach in regulation time. DR Congo started the brighter, with captain Cedric Bakambu seeing an early goal ruled out for offside, but they failed to capitalise on their early dominance.
Jamaica gradually grew into the contest, with Kasey Palmer and Leon Bailey providing flashes of attacking threat, particularly in the second half. However, despite their improved showing, the Reggae Boyz struggled to create meaningful scoring opportunities.
Bakambu thought he had finally broken the deadlock late in normal time, only for his effort to be ruled out again for offside, compounding DR Congo’s frustration and sending the match into extra time.
With fatigue setting in for both teams, it was ultimately a set piece that proved decisive. In the 100th minute, substitute Brian Cipenga delivered a corner from the left that evaded everyone in the box before bouncing in off Tuanzebe, who had surged forward from defence.
There was a brief VAR review for a possible handball, but the goal stood, sparking jubilant celebrations among DR Congo players and fans.
It may not have been a goal of great quality, but its significance was immense — sealing a long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage and ending decades of disappointment for the Central African nation.
For Jamaica, however, the result extends their wait for a second World Cup appearance, with their only previous outing remaining France 1998.
The victory marks a remarkable resurgence for DR Congo, whose footballing history has been marked by long periods of decline since their pioneering World Cup appearance in 1974. On a sunlit afternoon in Guadalajara, they finally rewrote that narrative, turning past pain into present triumph.
Now, with their place secured, the Leopards can look forward to a new chapter and a long-awaited summer adventure on the world stage.
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