FIFA must act responsibly during the World Cup, warns IUF Executive Committee

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is just a few weeks away, risks becoming a major problem for hospitality workers and having a significant impact on businesses and the services provided to supporters.

Whilst the World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, trade unions in the United States are concerned about the measures ordered by President Trump regarding immigrants. While the Trump administration's policies are deterring many visitors for fear of repercussions, regardless of their legal status, it is migrant workers in the hospitality sector in particular who fear that the FIFA World Cup will provide an opportunity for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to continue its raids, occupations and detentions.

The IUF Executive Committee, meeting in Geneva on 6 and 7 May 2026, condemns these policies and, continuing the work built around the strategy for international sporting events, has adopted a resolution calling on FIFA to respect internationally recognized labour and human rights standards.

The IUF calls on FIFA, the FIFA Host Committees, and employers affiliated with the World Cup to stand against hate against immigrants, by doing the following:

• FIFA should publicly demand that Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) play no role at World Cup host stadiums, fan fests, and other events related to the tournament.
• If ICE or CBP is present at World Cup stadiums, related events, or affiliated-hotels, employers should notify their employees and not require them to attend work. No employee choosing to miss work because of ICE or CBP presence should receive reprisals or discipline.
• To avoid possible labour disruptions, employers at World Cup related facilities (stadiums, hotels, fan fests, etc.) where workers are unionized should settle all collective agreements.
• All employers at World Cup related facilities should guarantee worker rights to organize in an environment free from coercion and intimidation.
• Including through engagement with the IUF and its affiliates, FIFA should ensure the enforcement of international human rights standards, including labour standards, at all World Cup event sites (both present and future) in all host countries and by all business partners, with mechanisms for monitoring and accountability.

By calling for stronger worker protections, respect for migrant communities, and enforcement of international standards, the IUF seeks to ensure that the FIFA World Cup is welcoming not only for fans and visitors, but also for the workers whose labour makes the event possible.

"Mega sporting events like the FIFA World Cup cannot be built on fear, intimidation and the exploitation of migrant workers," said Kristjan Bragason, IUF Acting General Secretary. "The workers who welcome supporters, prepare food, clean hotels and keep services running deserve dignity, safety and respect for their fundamental rights. FIFA has a responsibility to ensure that international labour and human rights standards are upheld across all host countries and throughout the tournament."