HRW Warns FIFA and US, Canada, Mexico Cities Over World Cup Rights

Human Rights Watch says FIFA and host city committees have failed to implement necessary steps to protect players and fans for the 2026 World Cup.

This warning highlights a critical gap in human rights safeguards as the tournament moves into its final stages of preparation. Failure to address these concerns could leave participants and spectators vulnerable to rights abuses across the three host nations.

According to a report released on April 10, 2026, the tournament was approximately two months away ^[1] when the organization identified these shortcomings. The concerns center on the host cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico that will stage the event.

"World Cup city host committees and FIFA have fallen short on the steps needed to protect players and fans," Human Rights Watch said.

The organization said that the lack of preparation is particularly concerning given the scale of the event. The report emphasizes that the responsibility for ensuring a safe environment rests with both the global governing body of football and the local committees managing the venues.

FIFA and the host committees have not yet provided a detailed response to the specific failures cited by the watchdog. The report suggests that the current measures are inadequate to meet the expected needs of the international community during the June 2026 tournament.

As the event begins this month, the pressure remains on the organizers to close these gaps. The organization continues to call for transparent, and enforceable protections to ensure that the sporting event does not come at the cost of basic human rights.