As the US, Canada, and Mexico prepare to host this summer’s World Cup, Amnesty International has warned that fans may face serious human rights challenges. The group says the tournament, billed as a global celebration of football, risks being overshadowed by issues around freedom of expression, policing, and immigration enforcement.
In the US, which will host most matches, Amnesty points to aggressive immigration policies, mass detentions, and surveillance, alongside strict visa requirements for some nationalities. Mexico’s heavy deployment of security forces has raised fears about protest crackdowns, while in Canada, social services have reportedly been disrupted to make way for tournament logistics.
Officials insist safety is the top priority, but Amnesty argues that heightened security could come at the expense of civil liberties, leaving fans and communities vulnerable.
