(NEW YORK CITY) - Dozens of American Unions and Civil Society Groups are expressing “deep concern” about the possible impact of the Trump Administration’s Immigration Policies on FIFA’s ongoing Club World Cup and the 2026 Men’s World Cup.

Millions of soccer fans from dozens of countries are expected to flock to the U.S next Summer to see 78 World Cup matches in 11 American Cities and the groups warned in a letter sent earlier this month to FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Trump’s policies are a “serious threat” to travelers.  

The letter reads: “We call on FIFA to use its influence to encourage the U.S. Government to guarantee the fundamental rights of the millions of foreign visitors and fans who seek entry to the United States to attend the tournaments, and the constitutional rights of the many Immigrants who already live, work, and contribute meaningfully to the cities selected to host them. FIFA should publicly recognize the severity of the risks that U.S. government policies and practices pose to FIFA tournament attendees and migrant communities in the U.S. and publicly urge President Trump to reverse these policies and practices.” 

Among the concerns are that travelers to the U.S with prior authorization could nonetheless be detained at ports of entry and that individuals could face deportation after expressing their political opinions.

It also highlights poor conditions in detention centers and the practice of deporting migrants to third-party states such as El Salvador.

It also notes an Executive Order signed by the Trump Administration limiting or restricting travelers from 19 countries. 

“Increased immigration enforcement actions, abusive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and broader border restrictions have also contributed to widespread fear and uncertainty,” the letter says. “Several foreign governments have already issued travel advisories to its citizens, warning of risks of being denied entry or detained and deported when traveling to the U.S.” 

Signatories include several State and Regional AFL-CIO Councils, among them the New York City Central Labor Council, UNITE HERE - which represents Concessions Workers at a number of stadiums in the U.S, a half dozen locals of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) - whose Members work many live events, and others.

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