FIFA's plan to protect human rights at the 2026 World Cup is under scrutiny.

▲ Less than a year before the start of the World Cup, fans remain concerned about President Trump's anti-immigration policies. Photo: AFP

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Atlanta. Human rights scandals have marred the World Cup for years, but FIFA is testing a new protocol requiring all host committees to develop action plans to protect them ahead of the 2026 tournament in North America.

However, less than a year before the start of the World Cup, FIFA's commitment to protecting human rights remains under scrutiny. Advocates who wanted stronger standards and clearer guidelines for local organizers say the sport's governing body has watered down a more robust model.

“While what we achieved is very different from what we had consulted with them about, the existence of the framework is in many ways unprecedented,” said Jennifer Li, director of the Center for Community Health Innovation at the O'Neill Institute at Georgetown University Law School and national coordinator of the Dignity 2026 Coalition, which is collaborating on the issue with FIFA. “Sports bodies have not had human rights frameworks that reflect the breadth of issues covered in so many jurisdictions.”

Adding to advocates' concerns, several U.S. host committees said they were unable to meet the March deadline to submit draft plans. A FIFA spokesperson indicated that the governing body has been working with host cities and counties, who they say are on track to develop final action plans by the August 29 deadline. Sixteen venues in North America will host matches, including the 11 in the United States.

Human rights concerns in North America are not the same as in other FIFA venues, where there were few protections for workers on massive stadium and transportation construction projects.

FIFA's suggestions for the 2026 plans include guidelines on non-discrimination, security, trafficking prevention, protection of the homeless, and workers' rights, including migrants.

“The host community is deeply committed to its legacy, so they've stepped up their efforts,” stressed Deborah Greenfield, a labor rights specialist who is part of an advisory group supporting FIFA's human rights work toward 2026.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stepped up immigration enforcement across the country, raising fears that federal agents will arrest workers and even travelers during games. The Trump administration imposed a travel ban on 12 countries in June, and seven more face restrictions.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has close ties to Trump. A spokesperson said he is working with a White House task force to "bring together millions of people from different nations and communities" in the United States.

Protesters in Miami-Dade County gathered outside FIFA offices in June to demand that the governing body protect travelers and workers and speak out against Trump's anti-immigration measures.

“There’s no guarantee that you can’t have ICE present at the World Cup,” said Jeff Mitchell, president of the South Florida AFL-CIO.

The organizers don't appear to have their human rights plan ready and haven't agreed to meet with the union.

More than 9,000 homeless people were arrested as Atlanta prepared to host the 1996 Olympics, and a plan to eliminate homelessness downtown before the World Cup has advocates concerned that vulnerable people will be incarcerated again.

Atlanta officials and their partners say the Downtown Rising plan is part of the mayor's larger investments to reduce homelessness and build affordable housing. The goal is to house people, not incarcerate them, officials say.

In California, Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom asked cities to ban camping in May and offered money for mental health and substance use treatment. Cities with upcoming sporting events have stepped up enforcement, including San Jose, where homeless people who refuse three offers of shelter will now be eligible for arrest on trespassing charges. The mayor said the policy would encourage people to move indoors.

“This rush to erase visible signs of poverty is very troubling,” said Dr. Mark Spencer, a physician at an Atlanta hospital involved in local advocacy. “Politicians and the business community know that visible signs of poverty are unpopular, and that's the driving force behind what's happening.”

FIFA's human rights policy, published in 2017, requires bidders for the 2026 Men's World Cup to respect "international human rights and labor standards in accordance with the United Nations Guiding Principles."

Reuters and AP

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Madrid. Real Madrid rejected plans to hold a Spanish league match between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami and warned that the consequences would mark a turning point for world football. It also revealed that it has already urged FIFA, UEFA, and the Spanish Sports Council (CSD) to intervene.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) approved on Monday the December 20 match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, which could become the first LaLiga match held abroad.

In contrast, Villarreal promised free travel and tickets for season ticket holders if their match against Barcelona is approved, which would be a first for the tournament.

"If this happens, we would be the first Spanish team to go abroad to play a major official match. What the club gains here is the expansion of the brand, the sponsors, and the opportunity to look toward the future of opening up to the market. The money, as such, will be dedicated to the fans," said Yellow Submarine president Fernando Roig at a press conference.

Madrid accused the RFEF of making its decision "without prior information or consultation with the participating clubs" and argued that holding the match "violates the essential principle of territorial reciprocity" that governs two-legged league formats. The Merengues also asserted that the measure is "altering the competitive balance" and granting "an undue sporting advantage to the requesting clubs."

The plan still requires approval from UEFA, US Soccer, CONCACAF, and ultimately FIFA before LaLiga president Javier Tebas can realize his long-held dream of bringing Spanish soccer to the United States.

Hosting a match abroad has long been part of LaLiga's goal to promote soccer and its brand in other countries. The league first attempted to host a match in the United States between Barça and Girona in 2018, but the idea was scrapped following criticism from some players, fans, and clubs.

The attempt to play in the United States is part of LaLiga's long-term partnership with Relevent Sports, a sports and entertainment group that is part of Stephen Ross's portfolio of companies, including Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami Dolphins, the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, and the Miami Open tennis tournament.

FIFA moved last year toward ending decades of football tradition by ordering a review of its policy that blocks domestic league matches from being played in other countries.

▲ América officially announced the signing of Allan Saint-Maximin as a reinforcement for the Liga MX 2025 Apertura tournament. In a post shared on social media, the Coapa team welcomed the Frenchman with a video of his first hours in Mexico. Saint-Maximin arrives in the country after playing in France with Saint-Etienne, Bastia, Monaco, and Nice; in Germany with Hannover 96; in England with Newcastle United; in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli; and in Turkey with Fenerbahce. Photo @ClubAmerica

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