Amnesty warns 2026 World Cup across North America risks becoming a ‘stage for repression’

Amnesty International warned Monday that the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, risks becoming a platform for governmental repression if host nations fail to adequately protect human rights. The rights group called on FIFA and the three host countries to establish safeguards ensuring participants—including players, fans, and journalists—can exercise freedom of expression and assembly without fear of state interference. FIFA responded that it aims to ensure all World Cup participants feel safe, included, and free to exercise their rights. Amnesty's warning reflects broader concerns about major sporting events attracting increased government surveillance and police enforcement that can disproportionately affect marginalized communities and protesters. The organization has previously documented how World Cups and Olympic Games have been used by host governments to justify expanded security measures and restrictions on civil liberties.