Human Rights Watch published a report urging FIFA to press the United States government to establish an "ICE Truce" for the 2026 World Cup, including a public guarantee from federal authorities to refrain from immigration enforcement operations at games and venues. The concept draws from the Olympic Truce, a tradition dating back to ancient Greece when warring city-states paused hostilities to allow athletes and spectators to travel safely to the Games.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with 48 teams competing for the first time. The U.S. will host 78 matches, including the semi-finals and final.

The report, titled "Reporters' Guide for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States," summarizes findings on human rights conditions in the host countries and risks posed to journalists, fans, players, and immigrant communities by U.S. government policies. It describes FIFA as having responded weakly to human rights risks posed by the U.S. administration's immigration policies and as having failed to meet its human rights commitments for the tournament.

"FIFA needs to act urgently to address the risks of human rights abuses for athletes, fans, and workers," Human Rights Watch said in the report. The organization called on authorities to "Roll back discriminatory travel bans, refrain from abusive immigration enforcement operations in and around World Cup venues, protect children's rights and commit to uphold freedom of assembly and speech."

Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch, said, "This was supposed to be the first-ever World Cup with a human rights framework: key protections for workers, fans, players, and communities." Worden added, "Instead, the US administration's brutal immigration crackdown, discriminatory policies, and threats to press freedom mean the tournament risks being defined by exclusion and fear."

Fans from dozens of countries face visa bans to enter the United States for the World Cup. President Donald Trump has described his immigration enforcement actions as necessary to improve domestic security and curb undocumented immigration.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said, "International visitors who legally come to the United States for the World Cup have nothing to worry about. What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is whether or not they are illegally in the US – full stop." The spokesperson also said, "DHS will work with our local and federal partners to secure 2026 FIFA World Cup – in line with federal law and the US Constitution – as we do with every major sporting event, while showcasing American greatness to the entire world." The spokesperson added, "Our mission is simple: ensure every fan – Americans and visitors alike – has a safe and unforgettable experience." The spokesperson further stated, "At the same time, foreign visitors MUST be proactive and should start working on their travel plans and documents well ahead of time to ensure a smooth travel experience."