FIFA May Shift 2026 World Cup Matches from U.S. to Canada Over Immigration, Human Rights Concerns
In a developing twist ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, global football governing body, FIFA is reportedly considering moving some scheduled matches from the United States to Canada due to rising concerns over U.S. immigration policies and their potential impact on access and inclusivity during the tournament. The World Cup, which is set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is facing a new layer of uncertainty as human rights groups, participating nations, and fans raise red flags over visa restrictions and exclusionary policies in the U.S.
The concern centers around recent shifts in the U.S. immigration environment, which could prevent fans, journalists, and even officials from over 40 countries—many of them from Africa and the Middle East—from entering the United States.
Countries like Iran, which has already qualified for the tournament, are among those directly affected. Rights groups argue that the current climate violates FIFA’s core principles of non-discrimination and universal access.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have openly criticized the U.S. for failing to guarantee equitable access to all nations and fans expected to participate in or attend the World Cup.
These organizations have also called on FIFA to uphold its commitment to human rights, as outlined in its statutes, by taking proactive measures to ensure that no group is unfairly excluded from the global event.
FIFA is said to be in internal discussions about the possibility of relocating some matches—particularly those involving countries affected by visa bans—to Canada, where immigration policies are more open and welcoming.
Sources close to FIFA’s organizing committee suggest that the shift is not just being viewed as a logistical response, but also as a symbolic stand for the values the World Cup claims to represent.
Canada, which is set to host 10 matches under the current arrangement, could see an increased share of the games if the proposal moves forward.
The country is already praised for its inclusive immigration policies, political neutrality, and capacity to manage large international events, making it an ideal alternative in the event of U.S. restrictions.
Meanwhile, the U.S. government and local organizing bodies have maintained that exemptions will be made for World Cup-related travel. However, this assurance has not fully calmed fears, especially after reports of delays in visa processing and immigration enforcement actions during other recent sporting events hosted in the U.S.
Local officials in some American host cities, including Los Angeles and Miami, have voiced concern that continued uncertainty may affect their ability to guarantee full stadium attendance and fan engagement. In several cities, organizers have had to contend with pressure from both federal policies and international observers questioning the overall readiness of the U.S. to host such an inclusive global event.
FIFA has not yet made an official announcement, but the discussion comes at a critical time, with logistical planning and international ticketing now underway. Should FIFA decide to adjust the hosting schedule, it would mark a significant and rare intervention aimed at preserving the integrity of the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup is the first edition to feature 48 teams and is expected to attract millions of fans across North America. A shift of any portion of the tournament away from the U.S. would not only carry political implications but also highlight the evolving challenges of hosting truly global events in an increasingly polarized world.
