Reporters Without Borders warns: covering the 2026 World Cup will be more than football
RSF warns the thousands of journalists covering the tournament across the United States, Mexico and Canada of a more complex environment marked by surveillance, border scrutiny and press-freedom concerns.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has issued a set of recommendations for the thousands of journalists covering the 2026 World Cup, held from 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Beyond the stadiums, fan zones and celebrations, the organisation warns of a more complex reporting environment marked by heightened surveillance, border scrutiny and mounting concerns about press freedom in Mexico and the United States.
RSF notes that the United States has dropped to its lowest position ever recorded in its World Press Freedom Index, while Mexico remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world to practise journalism. Canada, ranked higher than its co-hosts, is not risk-free either: the organisation urges caution for those covering protests or other sensitive topics.
Key warnings include border controls — US authorities can deny entry, carry out secondary screenings or inspect electronic devices despite valid visas or accreditation — and digital surveillance in densely monitored cities equipped with cameras, drones and facial recognition. RSF advises reporters to know their rights, notify their newsrooms, strengthen digital security and set up emergency plans.
The organisation stresses that accreditation has not always protected journalists, who in recent years have at times been detained or obstructed while covering protests, and it anticipates increased immigration-enforcement activity during the event.
"Football deserves fair play. Journalists deserve the freedom to cover it safely," RSF concludes, encouraging reporters to report any press-freedom violations during the tournament.
Source: Reporters Without Borders (rsf.org).