This summer, Boston joins cities across three countries in hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first tournament ever played across North America. For immigrant communities in particular, this is a moment worth savoring. Soccer is a language spoken across every country, culture, and generation. The World Cup brings together people from every part of the world, in joy and community. June is Immigrant Heritage Month, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate the cultural richness that immigrants bring to the US.
But this celebration is complicated by a troubling reality. Expanded travel bans, increased ICE enforcement, and an uncertain legal landscape have already upended the lives of community members and families across the country. International visitors who should be welcomed with open arms instead have to weigh whether it is safe to make the trip at all.
Together with Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, New Hampshire Alliance of Immigrants and Refugees, and the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project, MIRA is working to make sure that visitors, community members, and advocates across New England have what they need to stay safe, stay informed, and be able to come together and experience the World Cup with the joy it deserves. Here is what we have put together:
Take Action:
FIFA and the Boston26 welcoming committee have made public commitments to human rights. Our click-to-email tool makes it easy to urge them to keep ICE out of the Cup and ensure everyone can participate safely. [Send your message here.]
Travel Advisory for International Visitors:
Provides guidance and tips for travelling from outside the US, what to do if stopped by immigration authorities, and where to turn if something goes wrong, along with a full toolkit and shareable graphics. [Find the travel advisory and toolkit here.]
World Cup Resource Hub:
Know Your Rights employer guidance for watch parties and community events, and recommendations for gathering safely during a period of heightened ICE presence in multiple languages, A state-by-state rapid response resource, links to Boston26 resources and events, and information on the African Soccer Showcase watch party series. [Visit the resource hub here.]
Hold FIFA and the Boston host committee accountable for their commitment to safety during the games.
Share these resources, and if you are hosting a watch party, use the Know Your Rights guidance to do it confidently. Join us for one or all of the 4 African Soccer Showcase Matchday Experiences for food, live game energy, and giveaways. The world is coming to Boston, and we are going to make sure they feel welcome here.
Join MIRA and partners for a local watch party series!
a fun, family‑friendly series of watch parties celebrating culture, community, and the love of the game! Enjoy food, drinks, live game energy, giveaways, prizes, and health resources at local partner restaurants across Massachusetts. More information here