Sporting Events

Explore our latest research and analysis on the world’s biggest sporting events and the athletes, fans, and communities impacted by them.

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FIFA World Cup in the United States: FIFA issues press accreditation to sports journalist Christophe Gleizes, detained in Algeria

FIFA World Cup in the United States: FIFA issues press accreditation to sports journalist Christophe Gleizes, detained in Algeria

As the World Cup kicks off on June 11, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) announces that Christophe Gleizes, imprisoned in Algeria, has now been granted accreditation by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to cover the tournament. This accreditation was granted in support of the French sports journalist, a contributor to the magazines So Foot […]

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A man holds a ball with the message

World Cup: FIFA Sponsors Should Back an ICE Truce

US Government Abusive Immigration Policies Pose Risk to Fans, Workers (New York) – The FIFA Men’s World Cup corporate partners and sponsors should join calls for an “ICE Truce,” a public commitment from United States federal officials to refrain from immigration enforcement operations at all World Cup events and venues, Human Rights Watch and the […]

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FIFA: Fear and Uncertainty in Final Countdown to 2026 World Cup

FIFA: Fear and Uncertainty in Final Countdown to 2026 World Cup

Voices of People Impacted by FIFA’s Top Tournament (New York, June 10, 2026) – As the world awaits the opening whistle of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, players, fan groups, and human rights groups are highlighting the risks posed by the U.S. government’s visa bans, travel restrictions and abusive immigration operations, the Sport & […]

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FIFA: Keep the World in the World Cup

FIFA: Keep the World in the World Cup

Football belongs to the world. FIFA is planning the biggest World Cup ever: 48 teams, matches in 16 cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and billions watching around the world.   FIFA has promised a safe, welcoming and ‘inclusive’ tournament through its Human Rights Framework. But under U.S. President Donald Trump, harsh anti-human […]

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Covering the 2026 World Cup? Prepare for more than football

Covering the 2026 World Cup? Prepare for more than football

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking place from June 11 to July 19, is expected to draw thousands of journalists to the United States, Mexico, and Canada to cover the world’s biggest sporting event of the year. Beyond the stadiums, fan zones, and celebrations, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urges media professionals to prepare for a […]

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FIFA: New Rule Recognizes Afghan Women’s Team

FIFA: New Rule Recognizes Afghan Women’s Team

After Nearly Five Years in Exile, Women Can Seek World Cup Qualification (Vancouver, April 28, 2026) – The FIFA Council’s decision to approve amendments to its Governance Regulations provides a landmark opportunity to ensure gender equity and human rights in sport, the Sport & Rights Alliance said today. These changes allow for the official recognition […]

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2026 World Cup: Tournament Will Kick Off in Climate of Fear

2026 World Cup: Tournament Will Kick Off in Climate of Fear

‘Reporters’ Guide’ Outlines ICE Threats, Press Freedom Risks, Unmet FIFA Commitments (Berlin) – The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup is unfolding against a backdrop of abusive immigration enforcement in the United States, new threats to media freedom, discrimination, and unmet human rights commitments by FIFA and host cities, Human Rights Watch said today, releasing a “Reporters’ Guide” […]

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World Cup: 2 Months Out, FIFA and Host Cities Sideline Rights

World Cup: 2 Months Out, FIFA and Host Cities Sideline Rights

Missing Host City ‘Human Rights Action Plans’ Underscore Lack of Protections (New York) – World Cup city host committees and FIFA have fallen short on the steps needed to protect players and fans, Human Rights Watch said today, with the tournament two months away. All but one of the host city committees have either failed to present […]

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Failures in Brazilian Football Expose Culture of Misogyny and Abuse

Failures in Brazilian Football Expose Culture of Misogyny and Abuse

Persistent risks for women and children in Brazilian sport (Sao Paulo, March 6, 2026) — Ahead of this year’s International Women’s Day, renewed attention must be paid to the persistent risks facing women and children in the world of sports. Nowhere is this more pertinent than in Brazil, set to host the 2027 FIFA Women’s […]

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FIFA’s Ticketing Policy is Excluding Fans With Disabilities From the 2026 World Cup

FIFA’s Ticketing Policy is Excluding Fans With Disabilities From the 2026 World Cup

On 15 December, Football Supporters Europe (FSE) and its Disability & Inclusion Fan Network wrote to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to condemn FIFA’s accessible ticket pricing for the 2026 World Cup, which is effectively excluding supporters with disabilities from the tournament. FIFA has restricted accessibility tickets for National Team fans (PMA allocation) to Categories 1–3, […]

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