2026 World Cup in USA faces 'huge' human rights risks: 'Deeply troubling time'

Millions of fans heading to the2026 World Cupface significant human rights risks, Amnesty International said, warning that the tournament is drifting far from the "safe, free and inclusive" event originally promised by world soccer's governing body FIFA.

With just over 10 weeks until the June 11 kickoff in Mexico, the human rights group said the United States, which will host three-quarters of the matches, was experiencing a "human rights emergency" driven by mass deportations, aggressive immigration enforcement and restrictions on protests.

"There are huge risks around this tournament," Steve Cockburn, Amnesty's head of economic and social justice, told Reuters.

"This does not feel like ... the safe, free, and equal World Cup and the inclusive World Cup that was promised eight years ago when it was awarded, but also may be quite different from how it felt even just 18 months ago.

"It's a deeply troubling time in the U.S., which will certainly extend to fans who want to take part in World Cup celebrations."

The U.S., Mexico and Canada will co-host the finals.

FIFA has been contacted for comment.

Spain – 17th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Brazil – 23rd appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> United States of America – 12th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Mexico – 18th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> England – 17th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Portugal – ninth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> France – 17th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Iran – seventh appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Switzerland – 13th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Croatia – seventh appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Australia – seventh appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Morocco – seventh appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Austria – eighth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Ecuador – fifth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Senegal – fourth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> South Korea – 12th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Japan – eighth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Colombia – seventh appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Netherlands – 12th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Germany – 21st appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Belgium – 15th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Canada – third appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Saudi Arabia – seventh appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Uzbekistan – first appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jordan – first appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Tunisia – seventh appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> South Africa – fourth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Ivory Coast – fourth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Scotland – ninth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Algeria – fifth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> New Zealand – third appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Paraguay – ninth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Egypt – fourth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Cape Verde – first appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Qatar – second appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Norway – fourth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Panama – second appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Curacao – first appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Ghana – fifth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Haiti – second appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament

Spain– 17th appearance

Mass arrests and deportations

Amnesty said more than 500,000 people were deported from the U.S. last year, more than six times the capacity of New Jersey's MetLife Stadium which hosts the final.

The group said mass arrests and deportations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other agencies had torn communities apart and could spill into World Cup celebrations.

Amnesty called on FIFA to use its "enormous leverage" with the administration of U.S. PresidentDonald Trumpto secure public guarantees that immigration enforcement would not take place around stadiums, fan zones, watch parties or other World Cup-related events.

"We need clear assurances there will be no ICE presence around venues so people can attend without fear of arbitrary arrest or deportation," Cockburn said.

He called for guarantees that planned protests would be allowed and facilitated.

Amnesty said bans on fans from Senegal, Ivory Coast, Haiti and Iran entering the country should be lifted, and protective measures put in place for LGBTQ+ fans.

Risks in Mexico and Canada

In Mexico, where authorities have announced the deployment of around 100,000 security personnel, including 20,000 troops, the group warned that heavy militarisation could lead to abuses and the suppression of protests.

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Mexico has a long history of human rights violations linked to military deployments, including enforced disappearances and torture, Cockburn said.

He noted that residents have already protested against gentrification, housing displacement and water shortages linked to World Cup preparations.

On the opening day of the tournament in Mexico City, women's groups plan to march to demand justice for relatives who have disappeared.

Cockburn said Amnesty wanted FIFA, the security forces and Mexican government to ensure that happened and allow a spotlight on the issue.

In Canada, Amnesty pointed to concerns that World Cup preparations could worsen conditions for homeless people.

The group fears efforts to "beautify" Vancouver and Toronto could lead to the homeless being forcibly moved from encampments, echoing what occurred during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

The group noted the recent closure of a winter warming centre used by homeless people in Toronto after the venue was booked for FIFA-related activities.

MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey (hosting World Cup final)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Estadio BBVA – Monterrey, Mexico

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Estadio Akron –Guadalajara, Mexico

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> BMO Field – Toronto

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, California

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> BC Place – Vancouver, Canada

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, Florida

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Lumen Field – Seattle

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> NRG Stadium – Houston

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Levi's Stadium – Santa Clara, California

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Massachusetts

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

What stadiums are hosting the 2026 World Cup in North America? See all 16

MetLife Stadium– East Rutherford, New Jersey (hosting World Cup final)

Not saying 'don't go'

"This event will generate billions of dollars of economic impact and bring hundreds of thousands of jobs to our country. The President is focused on making this the greatest World Cup ever while ensuring it is the safest and most secure in history," a White House spokesperson said.

The Office of the Minister of Public Safety said Canada was committed to hosting a World Cup "that reflects our values of respect for human rights, inclusion, and the rule of law".

"We take these issues seriously and remain actively engaged with all levels of government, law enforcement, and community organizations to ensure the tournament is secure, fair, and welcoming for everyone," said a spokesperson.

There was no immediate response from authorities in Mexico.

Amnesty said fans should be aware of the risks and their rights before travelling.

"We're not saying don't go. We're not saying don't enjoy it," Cockburn said. "I really hope the fans do go and enjoy it. But it's been about knowing the reality and making those judgements."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:2026 World Cup in USA has 'huge' human rights risks, Amnesty says

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2026 World Cup in USA faces 'huge' human rights risks: 'Deeply troubling time'

Millions of fans heading to the2026 World Cupface significant human rights risks, Amnesty International said, warning tha...

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Jaguars to play home games in 2027 at Orlando's Camping World Stadium

The Jacksonville Jaguars are going to Disney World!

Jaguars Orlando Football

The Jaguars will play most of their 2027 home games in Orlando after NFL owners rubber-stamped a proposal Tuesday that has been years in the making and essentially a done deal for months.

Owners voted unanimously at the league's annual meetings in Arizona to allow the team to temporary relocate next year's home slate during the final stages of a $1.4 billion stadium renovation.

Jacksonville started searching for a home away from home when it unveiled plans for a "stadium of the future" in 2023.

The Jags considered playing at Daytona International Speedway, at Florida Field in Gainesville and at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

Camping World was always the front-runner. And it became a no-brainer when Orlando leaders cleared a $10 million sports-incentive package to help land the Jaguars earlier this year. The aging stadium also is undergoing a $400 million facelift — a project that will give the venue a modernized, NFL-friendly infrastructure.

"I look at it as an exciting opportunity," Jaguars general manager James Gladstone said. "You have a chance to breach a region of the state that you otherwise wouldn't have the luxury of doing."

The Jaguars are scheduled to play 10 home games in 2027, including a preseason exhibition. But not all of those will be played in Orlando; Jacksonville can play up to three home games in London that season.

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So Orlando is likely to land seven or eight NFL games, including in-state matchups featuring Tampa Bay at Jacksonville and Miami at Jacksonville.

The Jaguars announced plans in February to play consecutive home games in London this fall, with ongoing construction reducing capacity at EverBank Stadium to 42,507 for the 2026 season.

The timing is far from ideal. The Jaguars are coming off a 13-4 season in which they won the AFC South in the first year of a new regime that features Gladstone and coach Liam Coen. Now, they essentially have to go two years without much of a home-field advantage.

"Hard for me to comment that far into the future," Coen said. "I can't go there. The only thing I can say is that I've been there. I coached there when I was at Kentucky; we coached at Camping World.

"I think it will be a cool thing because your average football fan is in Disney a lot. And so I do think it could be a way to connect with a new fan base. Are there going to be challenges and stressors and things that we have to work through? Absolutely. But I do think generally for our brand and for Jacksonville Jaguars football, I don't think it's going to kill us."

For Orlando, hosting the Jaguars — even as a one-year rental — provides the city a chance to showcase its capabilities. After all, Orlando is the largest U.S. media market without an NFL team and has the infrastructure (major airport, hotels, restaurants, nightlife) to handle big events.

AP NFL:https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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Jaguars to play home games in 2027 at Orlando's Camping World Stadium

The Jacksonville Jaguars are going to Disney World! Jaguars Orlando Football The Jaguars will play most of...

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Army suspends 2 helicopter crews that flew near Kid Rock's Nashville home

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The crews of two AH-64 Apache helicopters thathovered next to Kid Rock's swimming poolwhile he clapped and saluted on Saturday have been suspended from flying pending a investigation of their actions, a U.S. Army spokesperson said on Tuesday.

US Kid Rock Army Helicopters

The suspension is a discretionary, but not unusual, step when an investigation is underway, Maj. Montrell Russell said.

"The Army has confirmed that on March 28, two Apache helicopters from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Campbell conducted a flight in the Nashville area that has attracted public and media attention," according to a statement from the Army on Tuesday. The Army is reviewing "the circumstances surrounding the mission, including compliance with relevant FAA regulations, aviation safety protocol, and approval requirements."

Kid Rock, an entertainer who is an outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump, told WKRN-TV on Monday that it's not uncommon for helicopters from nearby Fort Campbell to fly near his home. He said he is a big supporter of the military and he's performed for troops overseas in Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries.

"I think they know this is a pretty friendly spot," he said. He noted that last Thanksgiving he was at Fort Campbell, a sprawling Army base on the Tennessee-Kentucky border, with Vice President JD Vance. "I've talked to some of these pilots. I've told them, 'You guys see me waving when you come by the house?' I'm like, 'You guys are always welcome to cruise by my house, any time,'" he said.

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Kid Rock posted two short videos on social media Saturday. Each shows a helicopter hovering alongside his swimming pool while the entertainer claps, salutes and raises his fist in the air. One post included a caption by Kid Rock disparaging Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a frequent Trump critic.

In the videos, Kid Rock stands next to a replica of the Statue of Liberty and a sign by the pool that reads, "The Southern White House." His home on a hill overlooking Nashville was built to resemble the White House.

The helicopters were on a training mission when they stopped by Kid Rock's house, said Maj. Jonathon Bless, public affairs officer for the 101st Airborne Division. The helicopters also flew over a "No Kings" protest against Trump in downtown Nashville, but Bless said their presence had nothing to do with the protest.

Kid Rock said he thought it was "really cool" that they stopped to hover at his house.

"If it makes their day a little brighter for their service to our country, protecting us, I think that's a great thing," he said.

Asked about possible repercussions for the crews, he said, "I think they're going to be all right. My buddy's the commander in chief."

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Army suspends 2 helicopter crews that flew near Kid Rock's Nashville home

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The crews of two AH-64 Apache helicopters thathovered next to Kid Rock's swimming poolwhile h...

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Man found dead inside police SUV after 3 days. 'We want answers,' family says

Video released by the Azusa Police Department this week shows the moment a man was freed from jail before he stepped into an unoccupied police car where he was found dead days later.

The surveillance video released Monday shows Eric Valencia, 37, after he was released from jail on March 23 around 1 p.m., according toKABC.He walked up to a parked patrol car outside the station. Valencia got into the back of a SUV andshut the door behind him.

Valencia had been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and child endangerment on March 20 and held over the weekend before being released, said Azusa Police Chief Rocky Wenrick at a news conference.

"Mr. Valencia was released from custody with no apparent signs of distress," Wenrick said during the conference,according to KABC."Surveillance video shows Mr. Valencia unlawfully entering the rear seat area of patrol unit 37."

Valencia was initially pulled over for driving without headlights on and police suspected he was under the influence based on signs of watery, bloodshot eyes and the smell of alcohol in the car, Wenricktold Fox during an interview.

Two children, ages 3 and 11, were in the car with Valencia, Wenrick added. Valencia had a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit during his arrest.

Valencia was freed on March 23 and given his property, cellphone and food, according to Wenrick. His body was found inside the unlocked SUV three days later when Wenrick told the fleet maintenance crew to take the patrol cars to get washed.

Valencia's cellphone was found in working order and he never called 911 for help, according to Wenrick.

Officials explained out-of-service vehicles are often parked for days or weeks while awaiting equipment installation. Typically, law enforcement vehicles cannot be unlocked from the back seats.

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"We're gonna do our best in the investigation to figure out why Mr. Valencia walked out and got in the vehicle," Wenrick said. "Hopefully we'll be able to provide closure to the family and for our own sake of knowing why that decision was made and why he did what he did."

Valencia's sister-in-law Julia McCormick told NBC4 that his family wants closure.

"Come to find out that he was here in a car the whole time. The whole time," she said. "We want to know what happened. Please, please, we want answers."

Authorities said that the department's out-of-service cars are parked outside while they're waiting for equipment to be installed. Law enforcement vehicles can't normally be unlocked from the back seat.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner is conducting an investigation and the cause of death wasn't available.

Valencia's family told KABC that Valencia lived less than a mile away and didn't have any medical conditions.

"They never even called me back. No one at the police department ever called me back to let me know that he was found on Thursday morning. The only phone call I got was from the coroner's investigator to let me know he was already passed," a family member said.

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This story originally appeared inLos Angeles Times.

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Man found dead inside police SUV after 3 days. 'We want answers,' family says

Video released by the Azusa Police Department this week shows the moment a man was freed from jail before he stepped into...

Read More