Football fans worry about the threat of ice at the FIFA Club World Cup
Prior to the kickoff of the FIFA Club World Cup, fans discussed the fear of ice attacks affecting the soccer tournament.
On July 1, more than 80 civil rights and labor groups wrote to FIFA to express “deep concerns” about the US government’s immigration policy ahead of the 2026 Men’s Football World Cup.
In a letter first reported by Athletic, the group cited President Donald Trump’s executive order banning visitors from 12 countries and banning ongoing Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) attacks in communities across the country. They called on FIFA to “encourage the US government to use its influence to ensure the fundamental rights of millions of foreign visitors and fans.”
“If FIFA continues to remain silent, not only will millions be at risk, but the FIFA brand will also be used as a public relations tool to whitewash the reputation of increasingly authoritarian governments,” Civil Rights and Labor Group wrote.
Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the American Civil Liberties Union and NAACP were among the most prominent national organizations to sign the letter.
The US is currently hosting the FIFA Club World Cup for men’s soccer.
FIFA did not immediately reply to emails seeking comment on the letter. The organization and its president, Gianni Infantino, have repeatedly said there will be no issues with foreign audiences and teams entering the country next summer.
“The world is welcome in America,” Infantino told reporters on May 15th. Of course, the players, everyone involved, all of us, but definitely all of our fans too. ”
The Trump administration reflects that sentiment despite warnings that fans are not allowed to overstay visas or that they will not be allowed to stay in the country after the tournament.
“We know we have visitors from probably around 100 countries,” Vice President J.D. Vice President J.D. Vice President Vance said in May. “We want them to come, we want them to celebrate, we want them to watch the game. But when time passes, they will have to go home, or they will have to talk to the secretary (Kristi) Noem (U.S. Homeland Security).”
FIFA also faced questions and criticism from human rights groups ahead of Qatar’s final men’s World Cup. The 2026 edition of the event, co-hosted by Canada and Mexico, will begin on June 11th.
Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or social media @tomschad.bsky.social.
