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, NEW YORK
History will be on the line when New Zealand and Egypt meet in Group G as both nations seek their first victory at the FIFA World Cup.
Neither side has managed to record a win at the 2026 tournament so far, making the encounter a crucial opportunity to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
The match will also mark a landmark occasion for New Zealand, who will face African opposition at the World Cup for the first time in their history.
Egypt, one of Africa’s most experienced football nations, are equally desperate to secure three points after a difficult start to their campaign. The Pharaohs know that victory could breathe new life into their chances of reaching the knockout rounds.
For New Zealand, the game offers an opportunity to achieve a breakthrough result on football’s biggest stage and further establish themselves among the emerging nations at the tournament.
With both teams chasing a historic first World Cup triumph, the encounter is expected to be fiercely contested as they battle to keep their dreams alive.
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Saudi Arabia have developed a remarkable habit of taking control early in FIFA World Cup matches played in the United States.
The Green Falcons have now led at half-time in all four of their World Cup group-stage matches played on American soil. The sequence began at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, when Saudi Arabia went into the interval ahead in each of their three group matches against the Netherlands, Morocco and Belgium.
Thirty-two years later, at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia maintained the trend by holding a half-time lead in their Group H opener against Uruguay before eventually settling for a draw.
The statistic underlines Saudi Arabia’s ability to make fast starts in World Cup matches played in the United States, a trait that helped them reach the Round of 16 in their debut World Cup appearance in 1994.
Saudi Arabia’s World Cup Group Matches in the USA
- 1994: Led the Netherlands at half-time
- 1994: Led Morocco at half-time
- 1994: Led Belgium at half-time
- 2026: Led Uruguay at half-time
Record: 4 matches, 4 half-time leads.
World Cup
Historic Night for Japan, Heartbreak for Tunisia in Monterrey In World Cup’s 1,000th Match
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Japan made history in style on Saturday, thrashing Tunisia 4-0 in Monterrey in the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history and becoming the first Asian nation to score four goals in a World Cup match.
The emphatic Group F victory also sealed Tunisia’s elimination from the tournament after a second successive heavy defeat, while Japan moved level on four points with the Netherlands at the top of the group.
Having drawn 2-2 with the Dutch in their opening match, Japan wasted no time asserting their dominance. Just four minutes into the contest, a flowing attacking move culminated in Keito Nakamura cutting the ball back for Daichi Kamada, who calmly slotted home to give the Samurai Blue an early lead.
Tunisia, who had already suffered a 5-1 loss to Sweden in their opening game and were playing under newly appointed coach Herve Renard, found themselves under relentless pressure from the outset. Japan’s aggressive pressing and swift movement repeatedly exposed weaknesses in the North African side’s defence.
The Asians nearly doubled their advantage in the 11th minute when Tunisia defender Dylan Bronn diverted a dangerous low cross away from Kamada. From the resulting corner, goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen was forced into an excellent save, with goal-line technology confirming that the ball had not crossed the line.
Japan continued to dictate proceedings and were rewarded with a second goal in the 31st minute. Striker Ayase Ueda collected the ball outside the penalty area, advanced unchallenged and fired a low shot into the far corner beyond Dahmen.
“I was disappointed in the last tournament, so I feel like I’ve finally been able to redeem myself,” Ueda said afterwards.
“We managed to snatch one point in the first match, which was a tough game, so we needed three points today. I’m very happy that I was able to contribute.”
Tunisia struggled to create meaningful opportunities and rarely threatened the Japanese goal. Any hopes of a comeback were extinguished in the 69th minute when Kamada’s incisive pass split the Tunisian defence, allowing Junya Ito to race through and finish coolly past Dahmen for Japan’s third.
Ueda completed the rout six minutes from time, rising to meet Kaishu Sano’s clipped cross at the far post and directing a superb header into the top corner.
The victory was particularly satisfying for Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu, who had entrusted Kamada and Ito with key attacking responsibilities in the absence of injured midfielder Takefusa Kubo.
“Regarding the players I used in building up the team, they were at the centre of all our efforts,” Moriyasu said.
“I brought Kamada on as a defensive midfielder before, but tonight I wanted him to play as a shadow striker. It really worked because he scored a goal and constantly pushed into the final third. His play gave strong momentum to the team.”
The result leaves Japan and the Netherlands on four points after the Dutch hammered Sweden 5-1 earlier in the day. Tunisia, meanwhile, became the third team eliminated from the tournament, following Haiti and Turkey, after conceding nine goals in two matches and failing to register a point.
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