The FIFA World Cup is around the corner, and the controversies regarding it are at their peak. Following the skyrocketing ticket prices under investigation by Washington lawmakers, the Human Rights Watch has also raised concerns over the World Cup. They stem from the potential involvement of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the games, and HRW indicates that if ICE continues to exercise the same jurisdiction, the World Cup could become chaotic.
According to the DPA, Human Rights Watch has labeled the FIFA World Cup 2026, held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, a “potential human rights disaster.” The director of the organization claimed that the situation could become drastic if the US government allows ICE to operate during the tournament as it is now. This is because there could be a lot more cases of extrajudicial arrests around the World Cup, which was already in jeopardy due to tensions with Iran.
Director Minky Worden, in an interview, stated, “I can definitely say that while the World Cup may still be the biggest, it will not be the best in terms of human rights. ICE, a kind of paramilitary police force, pursues brutal, inhumane policies, even against people who have the right to remain in the United States.”
The director also criticized FIFA for giving the Peace Award to Donald Trump
Worden criticized FIFA’s governing body for awarding the Peace Award to Donald Trump, and his criticism seems to stem from current military actions. She even mentioned that none of the states except Atlanta ensured the safety of vulnerable communities during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. She declared that awarding the peace award to Donald Trump, even after these scenarios, is a “form of corruption.”
Worden stated, “Take, for example, the lack of human rights measures in the host cities. They are supposed to ensure the protection of minorities and vulnerable groups.” Her rant about Trump getting the peace prize continued. In her view, this award is just a “fabrication” that is leading people to praise a leader who isn’t doing enough to maintain peace. For some, it could be true, but Minky’s words seem to be coming from the ongoing tensions.
Additionally, the ticket problem remains a concern. While Gianni Infantino seemingly justified the higher prices by blaming the market, President Donald Trump himself said that paying $1,000 just to attend a US match is something even he wouldn’t do. Similarly, the NJ transit drama, which is forcing fans to pay significantly higher travel fees just to get to the stadium, further harms their plans to attend the World Cup.
Even though criticism of Trump administration policies regarding the World Cup is intense, Rodney Barreto, Miami’s deputy chief of staff, emphasized that he had been assured by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that there would be no involvement of ICE agents during the FIFA World Cup. With this mega soccer event around the corner, only time will tell about the federal agency’s involvement for those who are concerned, but as of yet, it is said to remain absent.
Published: May 12, 2026 02:15 pm