.By Rosemary Ugiomoh
The press conference room at the Center for Constitutional Advocacy in D.C. was half-full, mostly with tired reporters sipping coffee. Maya Chen adjusted the microphone, the click echoing.
“We’re not telling people not to go,” she said. “We’re telling them to go with their eyes open.”
Behind her, a screen lit up with the FIFA 2026 logo — bold, bright, all celebration. Host cities: New York, Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and ten others across the US. The biggest World Cup in history. Millions expected.
“And that’s exactly why we’re concerned,” Maya continued.
She was flanked by reps from three other rights groups. Their joint advisory had dropped at 9am: _Know Before You Go: Human Rights Risks for World Cup Visitors to the United States_.
The report flagged three things.
First, immigration enforcement. “We’ve documented cases of foreign nationals detained for days over minor visa technicalities,” said Luis Moreno from Border Watch. “With CBP surging staff for the event, profile stops at airports and near stadiums are likely. Keep digital and paper copies of your documents. Don’t assume your tourist visa makes you invisible.”
Second, protest laws. The ACLU’s brief noted that several host states had passed new restrictions since 2022. “In Texas and Florida, ‘critical infrastructure’ laws mean a demonstration near a stadium, hotel, or transit hub could be a felony,” Maya said. “Visitors joining solidarity marches might face charges they don’t expect. Your embassy can’t always intervene quickly.”
Third, data privacy. “Stadiums are rolling out biometric entry, license-plate readers, drone surveillance,” said Priya Desai from Digital Rights Now. “The data retention policies are vague. If you’re from a country with political tensions, consider how your movements could be tracked and stored.”
A reporter in the front row raised his hand. “Isn’t this fear-mongering? It’s the World Cup. It’s supposed to be a party.”
Maya didn’t blink. “A party with 6 million international guests and a security budget of $2 billion isn’t just a party. We’ve seen how mega-events amplify existing enforcement patterns. Ask the families of fans detained in Qatar who couldn’t get consular access for 48 hours. The difference is, here, many visitors assume the US legal system works the same way as home. It doesn’t.”
She closed the folder. “Cheer for your team. Enjoy the game. But screenshot your visa. Write your consulate’s number on your arm. Don’t assume your phone is private. That’s not paranoia. That’s the advisory.”
Outside, a tour bus for a Mexico supporters’ club rolled past, flags waving. The driver honked. The room was quiet, except for the hum of the projector, still showing the FIFA logo in bright, uncomplicated blue.
