Amnesty International released a report on Monday stating the 2026 World Cup risks providing a platform for authoritarian practices. The campaign group warned that host nations Canada, Mexico, and the United States must address human rights concerns before the tournament begins. According to Amnesty, the event could become a stage for repression if organisers do not implement safeguards for migrant workers and protesters.
The report highlighted risks regarding police conduct and the rights of workers in the three host countries. Amnesty urged FIFA to ensure that human rights remain a priority throughout the preparations. It claimed that current frameworks are insufficient to protect vulnerable groups during the expanded 48-team tournament, per Reuters.
FIFA previously committed to human rights standards for the 2026 edition following criticism of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, Amnesty suggested that these measures require more rigorous enforcement across the 16 host cities. The group called for transparent reporting on social impacts to prevent abuses, according to The Guardian.
