The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) warned Thursday that journalists covering the FIFA World Cup 2026 may face hostility from the authorities. The warning comes with a travel advisory and legal rights guide for journalists.
The group recorded recent actions taken by US immigration authorities against journalists for their work. Some examples are the deportations of Australian writer Alistair Kitchen and Salvadoran journalist Mario Guevara for covering pro-Palestinian protests and a “No Kings” protest, respectively. The statement urged international journalists traveling in the US to assess their risks, prepare emergency contacts, and establish check-in procedures.
Regarding domestic journalists, the group mentioned the adverse treatment of independent reporter Don Lemon for covering a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minnesota. He is currently facing prosecution at the US District Court for the District of Minnesota. The prosecution alleges that Lemon’s journalistic activity at the scene was a conspiracy to violate the civil right of religious freedom.
Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the group, maintained that the adverse treatment of journalists is based solely on their journalistic work and not on their having committed a crime.
In addition, the group warned journalists entering Mexico that they may face acts or threats of violence if they cover stories of corruption or human rights, or if they are of marginalized gender identity. Though rare, the group also observed instances of Canada arresting journalists for covering protests.
The First Amendment of the US Constitution protects freedom of the press. The American Civil Liberties Union has criticized the arrests and prosecutions of journalists, calling them retaliation from Donald Trump’s administration against the reporters’ coverage of protests. There are similar constitutional provisions in Mexico and Canada that protect press freedom.
Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights protects the freedom of the press, obliging state parties to ensure the media’s ability to comment on public issues without censorship or restraint. All host countries of this year’s FIFA World Cup are state parties to the convention.
Canada, Mexico and the US are co-hosting the FIFA World Cup from June 11 to July 19 of this year. They ranked 21st, 124th and 57th, respectively, in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders. It has similarly criticized the Trump administration for suing or threatening to sue disfavored outlets. In April, the group also launched a new program to provide financial support to US journalists to obtain protective equipment, helping them cover protests more safely.
