World Cups bring scrutiny on hosts’ human rights – and that includes the US

Texas, a state under attack for its policy on women, immigrants and LGBTQ+ people, could be announced as the host of the World Cup final

Fifa's newly introduced human rights strategy for World Cups is set to be tested on Sunday when the host city for the 2026 final is announced. The location of the final - the tournament is to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada - is understood to be between two venues: AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, or MetLife Stadium in New Jersey's Meadowlands.

While the latter stadium is unlikely to draw much comment, a World Cup final in Texas may attract its share of criticism, particularly because the 2026 World Cup is the first time a human rights strategy was included as part of the bidding process.