2026 World Cup USA: Travel Risks for Portugal Supporters

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico—the first edition to feature 48 nations—is unfolding amid significant concerns from human rights organizations about enforcement conditions affecting international visitors. While Portugal itself is not subject to a travel ban, human rights monitors warn that the tournament will take place under what advocacy groups describe as an intensified enforcement climate that could affect all visitors, including Portuguese fans attending matches.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International issued a rare joint travel advisory in late April 2026, warning that anyone heading to U.S.-hosted matches could face arbitrary detention, deportation, or discrimination. The organizations presented their findings at a press conference aimed specifically at journalists covering the tournament, emphasizing that the risk extends beyond undocumented migrants to include legal visitors, accredited media, and ticketed supporters. However, requests for official comment from the U.S. State Department and Customs and Border Protection on these allegations were not answered before publication.

Understanding the Context

Portugal nationals are not subject to travel restrictions and are eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), meaning Portuguese citizens can enter the United States with an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) rather than requiring a traditional visa. This status is important context for Portuguese travelers, as citizens of four qualified nations—Iran, Haiti, Ivory Coast, and Senegal—are currently barred from entering the United States, effectively blocking their fans from attending.

Why Human Rights Groups Are Concerned

• Over 167,000 detentions have been documented across the 11 U.S. host cities between early 2025 and early 2026, according to U.S. government data.

• Portugal plays all three group matches in the U.S.: against the Democratic Republic of Congo on June 17 and Uzbekistan on June 23, both in Houston, and Colombia on June 27 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

• Human rights organizations warn that visitors on the Visa Waiver Program are now being asked to provide up to five years of social media history as part of enhanced vetting procedures.

• Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents have expanded searches of electronic devices at ports of entry, raising concerns among journalists about source protection and freedom of the press.

Enforcement Environment

Since the return of Donald Trump to the White House in early 2025, enforcement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has intensified, according to multiple reporting sources. The agency has conducted large-scale operations in multiple World Cup host cities. Maja Liebing, Amnesty International's Americas Director, described this as a "human rights environment shaped by the Trump administration's policies," though U.S. government officials have not publicly responded to these characterizations.

More than 120 civil society organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), issued a formal travel alert urging caution for anyone planning to attend matches in the United States, citing concerns about racial profiling, invasive scrutiny at border checkpoints, and potential restrictions on peaceful protest.

Practical Guidance for Portuguese Travelers

For Portuguese citizens planning to attend matches in Texas and Florida, here is what you should know:

Visa Requirements: As a Portuguese national, you are eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. You will need an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to enter the United States. The ESTA application costs $14 USD and is typically processed within minutes, though it is recommended to apply well in advance of travel.

FIFA PASS System: The FIFA PASS expedited visa system has been introduced to expedite consular appointments for ticket holders, though this applies primarily to countries not on the Visa Waiver Program. As a VWP participant, you would apply for ESTA separately. The U.S. State Department has urged early applications due to expected demand.

Enhanced Screening: Be prepared for potentially enhanced screening at U.S. borders, which may include questions about your social media history, travel plans, and purpose of visit. Have documentation ready including your passport, ESTA approval, World Cup tickets, hotel reservations, and proof of return travel.

Electronic Devices: CBP agents conduct expanded searches of electronic devices at ports of entry. Consider what information you store on phones, laptops, or tablets, and be aware that authorities may request access to these devices.

Travel Documentation Checklist:

• Valid Portuguese passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates)

• Approved ESTA authorization

• World Cup match tickets or confirmation

• Hotel or accommodation reservations

• Return flight confirmation

• Travel insurance documentation

• Contact information for your country's consulate

FIFA and Tournament Organization

The world governing body has faced criticism for its response to human rights concerns. Andrea Florence, Director of the Sport & Rights Alliance, called on FIFA to "ensure this World Cup respects and promotes human rights." Despite establishing a Human Rights Framework for host cities and requiring them to publish action plans, FIFA has come under scrutiny for what some advocates describe as limited public engagement on specific enforcement practices.

Gianni Infantino, FIFA's president, attended Trump's January 2025 inauguration and later awarded the U.S. president a specially created "FIFA Peace Prize"—a move that drew international commentary. Human Rights Watch sent multiple letters to Infantino urging direct engagement with U.S. authorities, but stated the response did not fully address their concerns.

Economic Impact and Attendance

Travel data shows a decline in international visitors to the United States in 2025 and early 2026, driven in part by perceptions about entry procedures and enforcement. The tournament, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, was expected to deliver significant economic benefits across host cities. Many fans from affected countries have indicated they will not attempt to travel, while others are opting to attend matches in Canada or Mexico instead.

Media and Expression Concerns

Advocates warn that journalists and activists should take precautions when covering the tournament. Recommendations include securing devices, using encrypted communication, and being aware of potential detention or questioning. A test event—the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, also held in the United States—saw incidents involving CBP officers and FIFA officials, prompting concerns about similar situations during the 2026 tournament.

Portugal's Tournament and Expectations

Roberto Martínez's squad enters the tournament with strong expectations, having topped UEFA Group F in qualification. The team's three U.S.-based matches place them in Houston and Miami, both cities that have experienced significant enforcement activity according to reporting.

For Portuguese supporters making the trip, advocacy organizations recommend understanding visa requirements, preparing for border procedures, and being informed about the enforcement environment you may encounter. The tournament represents an opportunity to support your national team on one of football's biggest stages, but it requires informed preparation and awareness of the travel conditions.