Amnesty International Publishes 'Humanity Must Win' Report — World Cup Risks 'Stage for Repression'

Amnesty International published a major pre-tournament report on March 30 titled 'Humanity Must Win,' warning that the 2026 FIFA World Cup risks becoming a 'stage for repression.' The report catalogued what it called a 'human rights emergency' in the United States under the Trump administration: mass deportations, arbitrary ICE arrests described as 'paramilitary-style' operations, erosion of LGBTQ+ protections, and press freedom rollbacks. Amnesty called on FIFA, the United States, Mexico, and Canada to take 'urgent, concrete action' to protect fans, players, workers, and host communities before kickoff. FIFA stands to earn approximately $11 billion from the 2026 tournament cycle. The organization reiterated it has not secured any formal enforcement moratorium on ICE operations near tournament venues. The report arrived with 73 days until kickoff and intensified pressure on FIFA President Infantino, who has consistently declined to demand formal legal protections for fans.