Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, told reporters on Wednesday that if migration policy issues are not addressed, they risk tarnishing the image of the FIFA World Cup, which begins Thursday in the United States. The tournament, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Türk's comments come amid ongoing concerns about US immigration enforcement and detention practices. He urged the US government to ensure that all migrants, including those seeking asylum, are treated with dignity and in accordance with international human rights standards.
The UN official did not specify particular incidents but referenced broader criticisms of US migration policies. The World Cup is expected to draw millions of visitors, and human rights groups have warned that restrictive policies could overshadow the event.
As of June 2026, the US has not announced any major changes to its migration policies specifically for the World Cup. The UN continues to monitor the situation and has called for dialogue between the host countries and human rights bodies.
