Ahead of this year’s World Cup, Amnesty International warned that millions of fans attending the tournament are at risk of attacks on their human rights, especially in the United States. The organization added that the tournament, which will also be held in Mexico and Canada, could take place amid severe restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
In a report titled “Humanity Must Win: Defending Rights, Tackling Repression at the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” Amnesty outlines a range of risks faced by fans, players, locals, and media attending the tournament in its three host countries.
In the US, where three-quarters of the World Cup matches will be played, the report finds there is a “human rights emergency” characterized by racial profiling and mass detentions by agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
“This World Cup is far from the ‘medium risk’ tournament that FIFA once judged it to be,” the organization wrote. “The joy that fans hope to experience over a six-week celebration of football is overshadowed by the reality of violent arrests, mass detention,” and other abuses.
Earlier this year, then-acting ICE director Todd Lyons said ICE would be a “key part” of security during the World Cup. Since then, the extent of ICE’s role has not been fully clarified. But in May, Department of Homeland Security officials told NBC News that ICE is offering its personnel to local police departments to help with security during World Cup matches.
Amnesty International’s report indicates that in Mexico federal authorities have announced the deployment of around 100,000 security agents, including members of the army, in response to high levels of violence. According to Amnesty, this decision increases the risk for those demonstrating, including a movement of searching mothers who have planned peaceful protests in the vicinity of the Banorte Stadium (formerly Azteca Stadium) in Mexico City to demand transparency, justice, and reparations for the 133,500 disappearances registered in the country. This initiative is expected to be joined by other mobilizations during the tournament, linked to access to land, water, housing, and criticism of gentrification.
In Canada, the report notes, there are fears that the country’s housing woes will lead to unhoused populations in host cities like Toronto being displaced by World Cup activities.
When Amnesty released its report in March, the organization claimed only four of the 16 host cities had published plans for the protection of human rights during the tournament. It recommended that host cities avoid the use of military forces in civilian security tasks and stressed that local authorities should ensure that World Cup events and venues were not subject to immigration raids.
This story originally appeared onWIRED en Españoland has been translated from Spanish.
Ahead of this year’s World Cup, Amnesty International warned that millions of fans attending the tournament are at risk of attacks on their human rights, especially in the United States. The organization added that the tournament, which will also be held in Mexico and Canada, could take place amid severe restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
In a report titled “Humanity Must Win: Defending Rights, Tackling Repression at the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” Amnesty outlines a range of risks faced by fans, players, locals, and media attending the tournament in its three host countries.
In the US, where three-quarters of the World Cup matches will be played, the report finds there is a “human rights emergency” characterized by racial profiling and mass detentions by agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
“This World Cup is far from the ‘medium risk’ tournament that FIFA once judged it to be,” the organization wrote. “The joy that fans hope to experience over a six-week celebration of football is overshadowed by the reality of violent arrests, mass detention,” and other abuses.
Earlier this year, then-acting ICE director Todd Lyons said ICE would be a “key part” of security during the World Cup. Since then, the extent of ICE’s role has not been fully clarified. But in May, Department of Homeland Security officials told NBC News that ICE is offering its personnel to local police departments to help with security during World Cup matches.
Amnesty International’s report indicates that in Mexico federal authorities have announced the deployment of around 100,000 security agents, including members of the army, in response to high levels of violence. According to Amnesty, this decision increases the risk for those demonstrating, including a movement of searching mothers who have planned peaceful protests in the vicinity of the Banorte Stadium (formerly Azteca Stadium) in Mexico City to demand transparency, justice, and reparations for the 133,500 disappearances registered in the country. This initiative is expected to be joined by other mobilizations during the tournament, linked to access to land, water, housing, and criticism of gentrification.
In Canada, the report notes, there are fears that the country’s housing woes will lead to unhoused populations in host cities like Toronto being displaced by World Cup activities.
When Amnesty released its report in March, the organization claimed only four of the 16 host cities had published plans for the protection of human rights during the tournament. It recommended that host cities avoid the use of military forces in civilian security tasks and stressed that local authorities should ensure that World Cup events and venues were not subject to immigration raids.
This story originally appeared onWIRED en Españoland has been translated from Spanish.
#Amnesty #International #Warns #World #Cup #Fans #Face #Potential #Human #Rights #Violationssports,world cup 2026,security,immigration">Amnesty International Warns That World Cup Fans Face Potential Human Rights Violations
Ahead of this year’s World Cup, Amnesty International warned that millions of fans attending the tournament are at risk of attacks on their human rights, especially in the United States. The organization added that the tournament, which will also be held in Mexico and Canada, could take place amid severe restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
In a report titled “Humanity Must Win: Defending Rights, Tackling Repression at the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” Amnesty outlines a range of risks faced by fans, players, locals, and media attending the tournament in its three host countries.
In the US, where three-quarters of the World Cup matches will be played, the report finds there is a “human rights emergency” characterized by racial profiling and mass detentions by agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
“This World Cup is far from the ‘medium risk’ tournament that FIFA once judged it to be,” the organization wrote. “The joy that fans hope to experience over a six-week celebration of football is overshadowed by the reality of violent arrests, mass detention,” and other abuses.
Earlier this year, then-acting ICE director Todd Lyons said ICE would be a “key part” of security during the World Cup. Since then, the extent of ICE’s role has not been fully clarified. But in May, Department of Homeland Security officials told NBC News that ICE is offering its personnel to local police departments to help with security during World Cup matches.
Amnesty International’s report indicates that in Mexico federal authorities have announced the deployment of around 100,000 security agents, including members of the army, in response to high levels of violence. According to Amnesty, this decision increases the risk for those demonstrating, including a movement of searching mothers who have planned peaceful protests in the vicinity of the Banorte Stadium (formerly Azteca Stadium) in Mexico City to demand transparency, justice, and reparations for the 133,500 disappearances registered in the country. This initiative is expected to be joined by other mobilizations during the tournament, linked to access to land, water, housing, and criticism of gentrification.
In Canada, the report notes, there are fears that the country’s housing woes will lead to unhoused populations in host cities like Toronto being displaced by World Cup activities.
When Amnesty released its report in March, the organization claimed only four of the 16 host cities had published plans for the protection of human rights during the tournament. It recommended that host cities avoid the use of military forces in civilian security tasks and stressed that local authorities should ensure that World Cup events and venues were not subject to immigration raids.
This story originally appeared onWIRED en Españoland has been translated from Spanish.
#Senegal #squad #FIFA #World #Cup #Full #list #players #Sadio #Mane #leads #attack">Senegal squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 — Full list of players; Sadio Mane leads attack
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw dropped defenders Moustapha Mbow and Ilay Camara from his preliminary squad to finalise his 26-man line-up for the World Cup by FIFA’s deadline on Monday.
Paris FC centre-half Mbow and Belgian-born Anderlecht fullback Camara, who has won three caps, were named in Thiaw’s 28-man wider squad on May 21.
Mbow won his first cap when he played the second half off the bench in the 3-2 friendly loss to the United States in Charlotte on Sunday, while Camara was an unused substitute.
Sadio Mane, who scored both of Senegal’s goals against the U.S., remains a leading player for a star-studded Senegal squad that looks to be the most potent of the 10 African qualifiers for the World Cup.
Senegal opens its World Cup campaign against France on June 16 in New Jersey in a repeat of its 2002 World Cup meeting in which the African side came out on top against the then-holder.
It also takes on Norway at the same venue (June 22) and Iraq in Toronto (June 26) in Group I matches.
#Scotland #FIFA #World #Cup #Billy #Gilmour #tournament #injury">Scotland at FIFA World Cup 2026 — Billy Gilmour out of tournament with injury
Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour will miss the World Cup after suffering a knee injury in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Curacao, the Scottish Football Association said.
The 24-year-old, who plays for Napoli, sustained the injury during Scotland’s final World Cup warm-up match and will return to his club to begin rehabilitation.
“I am devastated for Billy because he has been an integral part of our World Cup qualifying campaign,” Scotland manager Steve Clarke said.
“The timing of this injury is so cruel and we all feel for him.”
Gilmour featured prominently in Scotland’s successful qualifying campaign and had been expected to play a key role at the tournament.
“He knows what we all think of him as a footballer and a person,” Clarke added. “I am certain Billy will have many major tournaments ahead of him in the future.”
Scotland begins its first World Cup campaign since 1998 against Haiti on June 13 before facing Morocco and Brazil in Group C.
FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms.
Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) asked the sport’s global governing body to move its games out of the US last month, but FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing the possibility of Mexico hosting the Iranian team.
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Sheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s stance on Friday, saying the matches will be played in the US as planned.
“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.
“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.
FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on confirmation of host venues for Iran’s games.
The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people at a girls school on the first day.
Tehran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones.
A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire brought the attacks to a halt on Wednesday in Iran and the Gulf, but Israel has continued to pound parts of Lebanon.
Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation.
Team Melli are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are scheduled to play all of their group games on the US West Coast, two in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26).
Mexico, which is cohosting the World Cup with the US and Canada, had shown willingness to host Iran’s fixtures, but Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.
“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said on the sidelines of Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica.
Infantino also quelled concerns that Iran would not feature at the next edition of the World Cup at all after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Iran would “boycott” the games in the US.
“Iran will be at the World Cup. … That’s why we’re here,” Infantino said in Mexico.
“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at the friendly was unannounced.
Last month, the FFIRI expressed fears over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.
“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in response to Trump.
Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal blows on the issue with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.
#Iran #play #World #Cup #games #Mexico #President #SheinbaumNews, Sport, Football, US-Israel war on Iran, World Cup 2026, Iran, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East, United States, US & Canada">
FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms.
Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) asked the sport’s global governing body to move its games out of the US last month, but FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing the possibility of Mexico hosting the Iranian team.
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list of 4 itemsend of list
Sheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s stance on Friday, saying the matches will be played in the US as planned.
“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.
“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.
FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on confirmation of host venues for Iran’s games.
The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people at a girls school on the first day.
Tehran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones.
A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire brought the attacks to a halt on Wednesday in Iran and the Gulf, but Israel has continued to pound parts of Lebanon.
Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation.
Team Melli are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are scheduled to play all of their group games on the US West Coast, two in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26).
Mexico, which is cohosting the World Cup with the US and Canada, had shown willingness to host Iran’s fixtures, but Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.
“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said on the sidelines of Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica.
Infantino also quelled concerns that Iran would not feature at the next edition of the World Cup at all after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Iran would “boycott” the games in the US.
“Iran will be at the World Cup. … That’s why we’re here,” Infantino said in Mexico.
“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at the friendly was unannounced.
Last month, the FFIRI expressed fears over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.
“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in response to Trump.
Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal blows on the issue with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.
#Iran #play #World #Cup #games #Mexico #President #SheinbaumNews, Sport, Football, US-Israel war on Iran, World Cup 2026, Iran, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East, United States, US & Canada">Iran will play World Cup games in the US, not Mexico: President Sheinbaum
Mexican President Sheinbaum says FIFA will not relocate Iran’s fixtures from US despite repeated requests.
Published On 12 Apr 202612 Apr 2026
FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms.
Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) asked the sport’s global governing body to move its games out of the US last month, but FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing the possibility of Mexico hosting the Iranian team.
Recommended Stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
Sheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s stance on Friday, saying the matches will be played in the US as planned.
“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.
“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.
FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on confirmation of host venues for Iran’s games.
The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people at a girls school on the first day.
Tehran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones.
A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire brought the attacks to a halt on Wednesday in Iran and the Gulf, but Israel has continued to pound parts of Lebanon.
Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation.
Team Melli are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are scheduled to play all of their group games on the US West Coast, two in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26).
Mexico, which is cohosting the World Cup with the US and Canada, had shown willingness to host Iran’s fixtures, but Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.
“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said on the sidelines of Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica.
Infantino also quelled concerns that Iran would not feature at the next edition of the World Cup at all after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Iran would “boycott” the games in the US.
“Iran will be at the World Cup. … That’s why we’re here,” Infantino said in Mexico.
“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at the friendly was unannounced.
Last month, the FFIRI expressed fears over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.
“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in response to Trump.
Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal blows on the issue with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.
#Iran #play #World #Cup #games #Mexico #President #SheinbaumNews, Sport, Football, US-Israel war on Iran, World Cup 2026, Iran, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East, United States, US & Canada
Mexican President Sheinbaum says FIFA will not relocate Iran’s fixtures from US despite repeated requests.Published…
![Iran will play World Cup games in the US, not Mexico: President SheinbaumMexican President Sheinbaum says FIFA will not relocate Iran’s fixtures from US despite repeated requests.Published On 12 Apr 202612 Apr 2026FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms.Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) asked the sport’s global governing body to move its games out of the US last month, but FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing the possibility of Mexico hosting the Iranian team.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listSheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s stance on Friday, saying the matches will be played in the US as planned.“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on confirmation of host venues for Iran’s games.The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people at a girls school on the first day.Tehran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones.A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire brought the attacks to a halt on Wednesday in Iran and the Gulf, but Israel has continued to pound parts of Lebanon.Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation.Team Melli are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are scheduled to play all of their group games on the US West Coast, two in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26).Mexico, which is cohosting the World Cup with the US and Canada, had shown willingness to host Iran’s fixtures, but Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said on the sidelines of Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica.Infantino also quelled concerns that Iran would not feature at the next edition of the World Cup at all after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Iran would “boycott” the games in the US.“Iran will be at the World Cup. … That’s why we’re here,” Infantino said in Mexico.“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at the friendly was unannounced.Last month, the FFIRI expressed fears over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in response to Trump.Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal blows on the issue with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.#Iran #play #World #Cup #games #Mexico #President #SheinbaumNews, Sport, Football, US-Israel war on Iran, World Cup 2026, Iran, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East, United States, US & Canada](https://i1.wp.com/www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2024-02-03T113745Z_2071810696_UP1EK230WAW91_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ASIANCUP-IRN-JPN-REPORT-1772629382.jpg?resize=1920%2C1440&ssl=1 "Iran will play World Cup games in the US, not Mexico: President SheinbaumMexican President Sheinbaum says FIFA will not relocate Iran’s fixtures from US despite repeated requests.Published On 12 Apr 202612 Apr 2026FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms.Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) asked the sport’s global governing body to move its games out of the US last month, but FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing the possibility of Mexico hosting the Iranian team.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listSheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s stance on Friday, saying the matches will be played in the US as planned.“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on confirmation of host venues for Iran’s games.The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people at a girls school on the first day.Tehran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones.A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire brought the attacks to a halt on Wednesday in Iran and the Gulf, but Israel has continued to pound parts of Lebanon.Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation.Team Melli are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are scheduled to play all of their group games on the US West Coast, two in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26).Mexico, which is cohosting the World Cup with the US and Canada, had shown willingness to host Iran’s fixtures, but Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said on the sidelines of Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica.Infantino also quelled concerns that Iran would not feature at the next edition of the World Cup at all after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Iran would “boycott” the games in the US.“Iran will be at the World Cup. … That’s why we’re here,” Infantino said in Mexico.“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at the friendly was unannounced.Last month, the FFIRI expressed fears over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in response to Trump.Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal blows on the issue with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.#Iran #play #World #Cup #games #Mexico #President #SheinbaumNews, Sport, Football, US-Israel war on Iran, World Cup 2026, Iran, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East, United States, US & Canada")
