“FIFA under pressure: Human Rights Watch demands protection for the 2026 World Cup”

A Human Rights Watch (HRW) raised an urgent alarm on Friday, calling for FIFA to adopt strict protective measures for players who decide to protest against human rights violations as the 2026 World Cup approaches. This event, which promises to be a celebration of football at the heart of the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, cannot ignore the grim human rights issues that afflict contemporary society.

HRW bases its demand on alarming incidents that marked the participation of the Iranian women’s football team in the Asian Cup held in Australia. The organization emphasizes that the World Cup takes place against a backdrop of a human rights crisis in the U.S., characterized by immigration repression, threats to freedom of expression, and a growing tendency toward authoritarianism. HRW states that “FIFA must act before it is too late,” proposing the implementation of protocols that include reporting mechanisms and confidential communication channels, as well as banning the presence of political agents in football federations that may restrict athletes’ rights.

“This will protect footballers who choose to exercise their right to protest against human rights violations,” emphasizes HRW, specifically referring to the case of Iranian players who, in an act of courage, refrained from singing the national anthem during their first game in the tournament. This expression of discontent led Iranian state television to label the team as “traitors in a time of war,” an attack that reveals the severity of the repression they face.

Additionally, HRW highlighted the Australian government’s act of granting asylum to five players and one official, a step that underscores the importance of protecting those who stand up against injustices. Since their arrival in Australia, the players have reported being targeted for harassment by Iranian security agents, who monitored them closely. HRW reveals that these athletes “have reported how the government’s political agents travel with the national team to monitor them,” highlighting an oppressive environment that cannot be ignored.

FIFPro, the global players’ union, also spoke out, criticizing the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA for failing to anticipate the risks faced by the players, and for doing little to ensure their safety. “By allowing political authorities who restrict women’s rights to travel with the delegations, the AFC and FIFA not only tolerate abuse but also provide it with a platform outside their home country,” HRW concludes, a warning that cannot be disregarded.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the pressure on FIFA to act in defense of human rights is intense and non-negotiable. The football world must be prepared to support those who stand for justice, ensuring that players’ rights are respected, and that the sport, instead of being a field of repression, becomes a bastion of freedom and equality.