As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, a growing chorus of civil rights groups is voicing deep concerns over hosting matches in the state of Florida. In a strongly-worded letter to FIFA, over 80 organizations have issued a travel advisory, warning that the state's increasingly authoritarian policies under Governor Ron DeSantis pose serious risks to the safety and freedom of international visitors and fans.
Crackdown on Immigrants Sparks Fears
The groups' primary concerns center around the draconian immigration laws recently enacted in Florida, including a ban on sanctuary cities and harsh penalties for those transporting undocumented migrants. They argue these measures could lead to racial profiling and arbitrary detentions of foreign nationals attending the World Cup.
A Worrying Precedent
The broader context is Florida's slide toward what many observers describe as an authoritarian style of governance under DeSantis. The governor has championed a slew of controversial bills targeting LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive healthcare, and public education - all of which have raised alarm bells for human rights advocates.
What this really means is that the 2026 World Cup in the U.S. may be overshadowed by a troubling political climate in one of the host states. The bigger picture here is that sports and politics are increasingly intertwined, and FIFA will face tough decisions about upholding its own values of inclusivity and non-discrimination.
Implications for the World Cup
The civil rights groups are urging FIFA to use its influence to pressure the U.S. government into guaranteeing the safety and rights of all World Cup participants and spectators. Twelve U.S. cities are slated to host matches, including some in Florida, so this issue is unlikely to go away anytime soon.
As Alexander Aultman recently reported, the travel advisory could deter some fans from attending, potentially impacting ticket sales and the overall atmosphere of the event. And as security experts have noted, major sporting events like the World Cup are also prime targets for cyberattacks, making the political climate all the more concerning.
Only time will tell how this controversy plays out, but one thing is certain: the 2026 World Cup in North America is shaping up to be far more than just a celebration of the beautiful game.