Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed concern about the human rights environment surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The organisation warned that the tournament is beginning in a "climate of fear" shaped by immigration enforcement measures, restrictions on civil liberties, and threats to press freedom.
The criticism came as the tournament kicked off on Thursday with an opening ceremony at Mexico City Stadium, followed by Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening Group A match.
In a 79-page guide prepared for journalists covering the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, HRW said policies implemented under US President Donald Trump have created risks for immigrants, journalists, fans, and players.
Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch, said the tournament was intended to be the first World Cup with a dedicated human rights framework but warned that current conditions could undermine those commitments.
HRW said FIFA had not done enough to address concerns related to immigration enforcement and civil liberties.
The organisation also claimed that many host city committees either failed to publish promised human rights action plans or produced plans that inadequately addressed risks faced by immigrants, LGBT people, and journalists.
The rights group urged FIFA to seek an "ICE Truce" that would prevent immigration enforcement operations at World Cup venues and related events.
The report also raised concerns about media freedom, citing cases of journalists detained while covering immigration-related stories and protests. It further pointed to safety risks for reporters working in Mexico.
FIFA responded by stating that it has mechanisms and procedures in place to address human rights and safeguarding incidents, including those involving journalists.
HRW's concerns come amid reports of travel and entry issues affecting some participants.
Iraqi footballer Aymen Hussein was reportedly detained and questioned for several hours upon arrival, while Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States despite being selected for the tournament.
The report also cited visa delays for South Africa's team and extensive security screening of players from Uzbekistan and Senegal.
Earlier this year, Amnesty International and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk also raised concerns about the potential impact of immigration enforcement, surveillance, and security measures on teams, officials, and supporters attending the World Cup.