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The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, is attracting a lot of attention and alongside this, a human rights debate is intensifying. Still poles apart in their human rights records, the three countries are playing their cards well and veiling their shortcomings behind the show of the “beautiful game”. Even if the tournament generates record crowds and creates new formats along with giant commercial returns, the host countries get censured steadily over their immigration policies, mistreatment of migrant workers, and denial of LGBTI rights. Advocates unite to say that no global event that promotes peace and love can ignore how these countries treat their less fortunate ones. The hosts of the 2026 World Cup are getting criticism not just for what goes on in the arenas but also, for the rights and security of those who may never even set foot on the ground. Explore our human rights news hub for the latest reports, advocacy efforts, and developments shaping equality worldwide.
Immigration Policies in the Spotlight
Immigration has been drawing the biggest fire in the human rights vs the football debate. Advocates of rights draw attention to the tough border controls, separations of families, detention centers, asylum seekers, and undocumented migrants in certain parts of North America with almost no protection offered to them.
While the thousands of fans get ready to pass through the borders to watch the games, the critics present the difference between the quick visa procedures for tourists and the perilous trips of refugees and low-income migrants as a glaring contrast. The critics speculate that if the needed reforms are not introduced soon, the 2026 World Cup hosts will, in fact, be using the beautiful game to whitewash their images while keeping the very policies that endanger lives in place.
LGBTI Rights and Fan Safety
LGBTI rights are still a very big issue. All the three host nations legally protect LGBTI rights, but discrimination, hate crimes, and political backlash still occur. Rights groups are demanding for the governments to ensure that the LGBTI community (fans, players, reporters, and locals) will be safe in and around the stadiums.
Rainbow branding to attract LGBTQ+ fans at major events is not enough for campaigners. They demand a real change in the form of discrimination protocols, staff training and safe reporting places for abuse, support for local LGBTI groups well beyond the final whistle, and the like.
Read more: FIFA Caught in Ruckus Over Workers’ Safety at Azteca Stadium Renovation
Can the 2026 World Cup Advance Human Rights?
The backlash towards the 2026 World Cup countries of the Americas has opened the door for different perspectives. Human rights advocates see the event as a tool of change if FIFA, governments, and local organizers agree on and implement strong standards regarding labor rights, non-discrimination, and community impact.
It is easy to see how to blend human rights into sports and how such measures might very well tip the scales towards such a notion. Whether the 2026 World Cup turns out to be a milestone or a lost opportunity for change will depend on the proactive engagement of the hosts in safeguarding the rights of migrant workers, LGBTQ+ people, and other vulnerable groups beyond the 90 minutes of play.
