Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged FIFA to push the United States government to establish an 'ICE Truce' during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling for a public guarantee that federal immigration authorities will refrain from enforcement operations at games and venues. The request, reported on April 28, 2026, aims to ensure that players, staff, and fans from around the world can attend matches without fear of immigration enforcement.
HRW's call comes as the United States, along with Canada and Mexico, prepares to host the 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams and matches across 16 cities. The organization argues that the tournament's global nature requires special protections for attendees, particularly those from countries with high rates of US immigration enforcement. HRW has previously documented cases where individuals faced detention or deportation after attending major sporting events in the US.
FIFA has not yet publicly responded to the request. The US Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has not issued a statement on the proposal. The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
