Here’s the deal, cancelling a World Cup in a host city is extremely difficult once contracts are signed (which they already are for 2026). The host cities and FIFA already have binding agreements. Calling for cancellation can be powerful if we have enough voices, but I want to ensure we have smaller, actionable steps that we: individuals, small business owners, corporations, public figures, communities, city and state governments, etc. can do between here and cancellation to hit them where it hurts.

Where there are opportunities:

• We can refuse permits or public resources
• We can impose conditions (laid out below)
• We can force partial pullouts or symbolic boycotts
• We can withdraw support or funding

Again, full cancellation is going to be extremely difficult, but political and financial pressure can absolutely change policies and challenge the legitimacy of the games.

 

The Issue

Under current conditions, the United States is not a safe host country for a global event of this scale. The presence and actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), combined with the expanded policing and surveillance that accompany mega-events, place immigrants, international visitors, journalists, and marginalized communities at risk.

Large international sporting events often lead to heightened enforcement, militarization of public spaces, suppression of protests, and long-term erosion of civil liberties.

Without binding guarantees limiting ICE activity and restricting surveillance and aggressive policing, the United States’ participation would legitimize fear-based enforcement and the normalization of militarized security.

Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle all have a choice. Public safety must not come at the cost of human dignity, freedom of movement, or constitutional rights.

 

The Demands and Conditions

We call on each host city’s City Council and Mayor’s Office to:

• Withdraw public funding and in-kind support for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• Refuse cooperation agreements that expand federal enforcement or surveillance powers
• Require enforceable human rights protections, including limits on ICE activity
• Commission an independent public safety and civil liberties impact assessment
• Allow full public input before any further commitments are made

The host cities have a choice: comply quietly—or lead with principle.

We urge city leaders to choose transparency, accountability, and human rights.

 

Resources

Letter Template for Host City Residents​

Boycott Social Media Graphics for Host and Non-Host Cities​

Protest Gear