FAA reduces SFO arrivals, setting up delays amid runway work and safety concerns

Travelers should expect delays when they fly through San Francisco International Airport after the Federal Aviation Administration this week cut a third of its arrivals because of safety concerns and runway construction.

Associated Press

A temporary runway project and permanent FAA rule change announced Tuesday means San Francisco's airport will go from 54 plane arrivals an hour to 36 arrivals. It is not yet clear if any flights will be canceled.

A deadly runway crash betweenAir Canada jet and a fire truckat New York's LaGuardia Airport in March is the latest air-traffic safety calamity. But the aviation administration said the rule change is not triggered by broader safety concerns and only affects the San Francisco airport.

Here's what to know:

Concerns involve parallel runways

FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said officials decided that SFO's longstanding practice of landing two planes at the same time on closely spaced parallel runways that are just 750 feet (228.60 meters) apart — along with congested airspace — was too dangerous. He could not say why the practice had been allowed.

The San Francisco safety concerns are unique to that airport because of how close the parallel runways are and how complicated the airspace is with several surrounding airports. The San Francisco Bay Area is served by three major airports, including San José Mineta International Airport and Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, and smaller ones.

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The airport operates on two sets of parallel runways. The north-south runways are out of commission for six months for a repaving project that is responsible for nine of the 18 flight-per-hour reductions. The rule change will affect the remaining nine flights.

Long-term effect of delays is unclear

Doug Yakel, an airport spokesman, said about 25% of arriving flights are expected to be delayed by 30 minutes or more. He said the airport is working with the FAA to improve arrival times but didn't provide more specifics on whether flights might be canceled.

United Airlines said it is reviewing the rule change to see if any changes need to be made to its flight schedule, a spokesperson said by email. United is the largest airline at SFO.

Alaska Airlines, the second-largest carrier, said in an email that the situation was changing by the day, with 15 flights delayed out of SFO on Monday and none experiencing delays on Tuesday.

The runway under construction is set to reopen on Oct. 2, which should alleviate some of the delays, Yakel said.

Associated Press writer Janie Har contributed reporting from San Francisco

byCosmopolite
in
March 31, 2026

FAA reduces SFO arrivals, setting up delays amid runway work and safety concerns

Travelers should expect delays when they fly through San Francisco International Airport after the Federal Aviation Admin...
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Trump's White House ballroom blocked by judge

A federal judge issued an order to halt PresidentDonald Trump's plan to build a$400 million White House ballroomat the site of the since-demolished East Wing, saying no work can proceed "absent express authorization from Congress."

USA TODAY

U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Leon's ruling comes after the National Trust for Historic Preservationfiled an amended lawsuitlast month against Trump and several federal agencies asking to stop construction on the90,000-square-foot ballroom. The nonprofit group argued that Trump should have sought Congress' permission before the demolition of the East Wing.

An earlier December lawsuit had been dismissed by the judge, who said the organization did not sufficiently prove the president was exceeding his powers.

President Donald Trump holds renderings of the planned White House ballroom as he talks with reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on March 29, 2026.

But the latest ruling stops any actions "including but not limited to any further demolition, site preparation work, landscape alteration, excavation, foundation work, or other construction or related work," other than moves that are "strictly necessary" to ensure security in the area.

Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, said in a statement she was pleased with the decision.

"This is a win for the American people on a project that forever impacts one of the most beloved and iconic places in our nation," she said.

The order takes effect April 14, 14 days from the date it was issued. The White House team is required to file a report apprising the court of the status of their compliance within 21 days after the date the order takes effect.

"President Trumpclearly has the legal authority to modernize, renovate, and beautify the White House – just like all of his predecessors did. We will immediately appeal this egregious decision and are confident we will prevail," White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said.

Two days before the ruling, Trump said an important part of the ballroom he's building for the White House is a "massive military complex" underneath it that was supposed to remain secret. He blamed the lawsuit for exposing the secret.

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"Now the military is building a big complex under the ballroom, which has come out recently because of a stupid lawsuit that was filed," Trump said. "But the military's building a massive complex under the ballroom, and that's under construction and we're doing very well."

Minutes after the ruling, Trump railed against the the National Trust for Historic Preservation in apost on X, calling the group a "Radical Left Group of Lunatics whose funding was stopped by Congress in 2005."

<p style=Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associates—later removed from the National Capital Planning Commission's website—show a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associates—later removed from the National Capital Planning Commission's website—show a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associates—later removed from the National Capital Planning Commission's website—show a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associates—later removed from the National Capital Planning Commission's website—show a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associates—later removed from the National Capital Planning Commission's website—show a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associates—later removed from the National Capital Planning Commission's website—show a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associates—later removed from the National Capital Planning Commission's website—show a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associates—later removed from the National Capital Planning Commission's website—show a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associates—later removed from the National Capital Planning Commission's website—show a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associates—later removed from the National Capital Planning Commission's website—show a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associates—later removed from the National Capital Planning Commission's website—show a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associates—later removed from the National Capital Planning Commission's website—show a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associates—later removed from the National Capital Planning Commission's website—show a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associates—later removed from the National Capital Planning Commission's website—show a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associates—later removed from the National Capital Planning Commission's website—show a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associates—later removed from the National Capital Planning Commission's website—show a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associates—later removed from the National Capital Planning Commission's website—show a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associates—later removed from the National Capital Planning Commission's website—show a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associates—later removed from the National Capital Planning Commission's website—show a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building. Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associates—later removed from the National Capital Planning Commission's website—show a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building.

See new renderings of massive 89,000-square-foot White House ballroom

Detailed renderings reveal the scale of the proposed 89,000-square-footWhite House ballroom. The images by Shalom Baranes Associates—later removed from the National Capital Planning Commission's website—show a new East Wing roughly a city block long, longer than the West Wing and more than half the length of the adjacent Treasury Building.

"The National Trust for Historic Preservation sues me for a Ballroom that is under budget, ahead of schedule, being built at no cost to the Taxpayer, and will be the finest Building of its kind anywhere in the World," he wrote.

On March 23, a coalition of eight cultural heritage and architectural organizations including the National Trust for Historic Preservation jointly represented by three law firmsfiled a suitin federal district court in Washington, DC, seeking to require the Trump administration to comply with historic preservation laws and secure congressional authorization before altering the "John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts."

Trump also lashed out against theKennedy Center lawsuitin his reaction to the ballroom ruling.

"I then get sued by them over the renovation of the dilapidated and structurally unsound former Kennedy Center, now, The Trump Kennedy Center (A show of Bipartisan Unity, a Republican and Democrat President!), where all I am doing is fixing, cleaning, running, and 'sprucing up' a terribly maintained, for many years, Building, but a Building of potentially great importance."

Trump went on to complain that the preservation group had not sued the Federal Reserve for the renovations of its headquarters which he said "has been decimated and destroyed, inside and out, by an incompetent and possibly corrupt Fed Chairman" or California Gov. Gavin Newsom for the California High-Speed Rail project, a long-delayed multibillion-dollar project often dubbed a "railroad to nowhere" by critics.

On April 2, the National Capital Planning Commission, the overseer of federal property development and site designs, will vote on the ballroom project following apublic hearing which was held last month. The hearing drew more than 35,000 comments, the majority of which were negative.

Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is a White House correspondent for USA TODAY.You can follow her on X @SwapnaVenugopal

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Trump ballroom blocked by federal judge

byCosmopolite
in
March 31, 2026

Trump's White House ballroom blocked by judge

A federal judge issued an order to halt PresidentDonald Trump's plan to build a$400 million White House ballroomat th...
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Two-thirds of Americans want quick end to Iran war even if goals unachieved, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

By Costas Pitas

Reuters

March 31 (Reuters) - Two-thirds of Americans believe that the U.S. should work to end its involvement in the Iran ‌war quickly, even if that means not achieving the goals ‌set out by the Trump administration, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found.

Some 66% of respondents to the ​poll, conducted Friday through Sunday, voiced that view, while 27% said the U.S. should work to achieve all its goals in Iran, even if the conflict goes on for an extended period. Six percent did not answer the ‌question.

Among Trump's Republicans, 40% ⁠supported ending the conflict quickly even if it did not achieve U.S. goals, while 57% supported a longer involvement.

The ⁠month-long war has spread across the Middle East, killing thousands of people and has hit the global economy with soaring energy prices, fuelling global inflation fears.

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A ​total of ​60% of respondents said they disapproved ​of U.S. military strikes on ‌Iran, while 35% approved in the survey of 1,021 people.

One of the war's most visible effects in the U.S. has been the rising cost of gasoline, which rose above $4 a gallon on Monday for the first time in more than three years, data from price tracking service GasBuddy ‌showed.

Two in three respondents said they expected ​gas prices to worsen over the next year, ​including 40% of Republicans.

Trump's ​Republicans face voters in November for midterm elections that will ‌decide whether they can hold onto ​slim majorities in ​the House and Senate. The incumbent president's party tends to lose seats in Congress in midterm elections.

More than half of respondents thought ​the conflict will have ‌a mostly negative impact on their personal financial situation, including 39% ​of Republicans surveyed.

(Reporting by Costas Pitas in Los Angeles; Editing ​by Scott Malone and Deepa Babington)

byCosmopolite
in
March 31, 2026

Two-thirds of Americans want quick end to Iran war even if goals unachieved, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

By Costas Pitas March 31 (Reuters) - Two-thirds of Americans believe that the U.S. should work to end its invo...
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Tiger Woods pleads not guilty in DUI case following rollover car crash

A new development has occurred in the ongoing DUI case surrounding 50-year-old golfer Tiger Woods.

USA TODAY Sports

The 15-time major winner entered a plea of not guilty Tuesday, March 31 in Martin County (Florida) court, waiving his arraignment and demanding a trial by jury.

Woods was involved in a two-vehicle rollover car crashnear his home in Jupiter Island, Florida on Friday, March 27, and wascharged with DUI, property damage and failure to submit to a DUI test. He was taken into custody following the accident and was released at 11:11 p.m. on $1,150 bail later that night, aMartin County jail official told the Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Network.

Woods' not guilty plea

According to TC Palm, part of the USA TODAY network, Woods' attorney Douglas Duncan of Roth & Duncan in West Palm Beach, Florida, submitted the official plea declaring not guilty, waiving Woods' arraignment and demanding a trial by jury.

TC Palm reports, "[Woods] also waived his appearance at pretrial conferences and other hearings before a trial, records state."

<p style=Tiger Woods was arrested for driving under the influence after a car crash in Florida on Friday, March 27, the Martin County Sheriff's Office said. Woods and the other driver involved in the two-car crash were not injured. Photos release by Martin County Sheriff's Office show the scene of the crash.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=The crash took place in Jupiter Island, Florida. Mark Steinberg, Woods' longtime agent, did not immediately respond to a request for information about Woods' condition.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Woods and the other driver involved in the two-car crash were not injured, authorities said during a news conference on Friday, March 27.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Tiger Woods rollover crash on Jupiter Island on March 27, 2026. The crash occurred just after 2 p.m. local time in the 200 block of Beach Road.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=The Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) on the scene believes Woods' impairment stemmed from "some kind of medication or drug,'' according to the sheriff. While a breath test showed that Woods was not under the influence of alcohol, he refused a urinalysis test and was charged with the misdemeanor.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek speaks about Tiger Woods' rollover crash on Jupiter Island on March 27, 2026 at Jupiter Island Town Hall.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Tiger Woods rollover crash on Jupiter Island on March 27, 2026. The crash occurred just after 2 p.m. local time in the 200 block of Beach Road.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek speaks about Tiger Woods' rollover crash on Jupiter Island on March 27, 2026 at Jupiter Island Town Hall.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Photos show aftermath of Tiger Woods rollover crash in Florida

Tiger Woodswas arrested for driving under the influence after a carcrash in Floridaon Friday, March 27, the Martin County Sheriff's Office said. Woods and the other driver involved in the two-car crash were not injured. Photos release by Martin County Sheriff's Office show the scene of the crash.

When will Woods' trial be?

There is no official date for the trial as of yet, though a docket hearing is set for May 5 at the Martin County Courthouse.

Why was Woods arrested?

Woods was arrested Friday, March 27 after his vehicle collided with another in Martin County, Florida. Woods has admitted to being distracted before the crash, but police saw signs of impairment at the scene,noting that Woods was "sweating profusely" and appeared "lethargic and slow."

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Authorities also found two white pills in Woods' pocket, later identified as hydrocodone, a opioid usually prescribed for pain relief.

After being booked, Woods blew a 0.00 on an administered breathalyzer test, but refused to offer a urine sample, resulting in another charge.

Woods says he's 'stepping away' to 'seek treatment'

Woods said in a statementTuesday night he is "stepping away" to "seek treatment and focus on my health."

Woods' social media messagemarked his first extensive public comments in the wake of his rollover car crash and subsequent arrest for suspicion of DUI.

"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," Woods wrote. "I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.

"I'm committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time."

Contributing: Jace Evans

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Tiger Woods pleads not guilty in DUI case following Florida car crash

byCosmopolite
in
March 31, 2026

Tiger Woods pleads not guilty in DUI case following rollover car crash

A new development has occurred in the ongoing DUI case surrounding 50-year-old golfer Tiger Woods. The 15-time...
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2026 World Cup in USA faces 'huge' human rights risks: 'Deeply troubling time'

Millions of fans heading to the2026 World Cupface significant human rights risks, Amnesty International said, warning that the tournament is drifting far from the "safe, free and inclusive" event originally promised by world soccer's governing body FIFA.

USA TODAY Sports

With just over 10 weeks until the June 11 kickoff in Mexico, the human rights group said the United States, which will host three-quarters of the matches, was experiencing a "human rights emergency" driven by mass deportations, aggressive immigration enforcement and restrictions on protests.

"There are huge risks around this tournament," Steve Cockburn, Amnesty's head of economic and social justice, told Reuters.

"This does not feel like ... the safe, free, and equal World Cup and the inclusive World Cup that was promised eight years ago when it was awarded, but also may be quite different from how it felt even just 18 months ago.

"It's a deeply troubling time in the U.S., which will certainly extend to fans who want to take part in World Cup celebrations."

The U.S., Mexico and Canada will co-host the finals.

FIFA has been contacted for comment.

<p style=Spain – 17th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Brazil – 23rd appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=United States of America – 12th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Mexico – 18th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=England – 17th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Portugal – ninth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=France – 17th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Iran – seventh appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Switzerland – 13th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Croatia – seventh appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Australia – seventh appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Morocco – seventh appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Austria – eighth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Ecuador – fifth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Senegal – fourth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=South Korea – 12th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Japan – eighth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Colombia – seventh appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Netherlands – 12th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Germany – 21st appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Belgium – 15th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Canada – third appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Saudi Arabia – seventh appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Uzbekistan – first appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Jordan – first appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Tunisia – seventh appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=South Africa – fourth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Ivory Coast – fourth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Scotland – ninth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Algeria – fifth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=New Zealand – third appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Paraguay – ninth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Egypt – fourth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Cape Verde – first appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Qatar – second appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Norway – fourth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Panama – second appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Curacao – first appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Ghana – fifth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Haiti – second appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament

Spain– 17th appearance

Mass arrests and deportations

Amnesty said more than 500,000 people were deported from the U.S. last year, more than six times the capacity of New Jersey's MetLife Stadium which hosts the final.

The group said mass arrests and deportations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other agencies had torn communities apart and could spill into World Cup celebrations.

Amnesty called on FIFA to use its "enormous leverage" with the administration of U.S. PresidentDonald Trumpto secure public guarantees that immigration enforcement would not take place around stadiums, fan zones, watch parties or other World Cup-related events.

"We need clear assurances there will be no ICE presence around venues so people can attend without fear of arbitrary arrest or deportation," Cockburn said.

He called for guarantees that planned protests would be allowed and facilitated.

Amnesty said bans on fans from Senegal, Ivory Coast, Haiti and Iran entering the country should be lifted, and protective measures put in place for LGBTQ+ fans.

Risks in Mexico and Canada

In Mexico, where authorities have announced the deployment of around 100,000 security personnel, including 20,000 troops, the group warned that heavy militarisation could lead to abuses and the suppression of protests.

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Mexico has a long history of human rights violations linked to military deployments, including enforced disappearances and torture, Cockburn said.

He noted that residents have already protested against gentrification, housing displacement and water shortages linked to World Cup preparations.

On the opening day of the tournament in Mexico City, women's groups plan to march to demand justice for relatives who have disappeared.

Cockburn said Amnesty wanted FIFA, the security forces and Mexican government to ensure that happened and allow a spotlight on the issue.

In Canada, Amnesty pointed to concerns that World Cup preparations could worsen conditions for homeless people.

The group fears efforts to "beautify" Vancouver and Toronto could lead to the homeless being forcibly moved from encampments, echoing what occurred during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

The group noted the recent closure of a winter warming centre used by homeless people in Toronto after the venue was booked for FIFA-related activities.

<p style=MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey (hosting World Cup final)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Estadio BBVA – Monterrey, Mexico

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Estadio Akron –Guadalajara, Mexico

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=BMO Field – Toronto

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, California

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=BC Place – Vancouver, Canada

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, Florida

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Lumen Field – Seattle

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=NRG Stadium – Houston

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Levi's Stadium – Santa Clara, California

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Massachusetts

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

What stadiums are hosting the 2026 World Cup in North America? See all 16

MetLife Stadium– East Rutherford, New Jersey (hosting World Cup final)

Not saying 'don't go'

"This event will generate billions of dollars of economic impact and bring hundreds of thousands of jobs to our country. The President is focused on making this the greatest World Cup ever while ensuring it is the safest and most secure in history," a White House spokesperson said.

The Office of the Minister of Public Safety said Canada was committed to hosting a World Cup "that reflects our values of respect for human rights, inclusion, and the rule of law".

"We take these issues seriously and remain actively engaged with all levels of government, law enforcement, and community organizations to ensure the tournament is secure, fair, and welcoming for everyone," said a spokesperson.

There was no immediate response from authorities in Mexico.

Amnesty said fans should be aware of the risks and their rights before travelling.

"We're not saying don't go. We're not saying don't enjoy it," Cockburn said. "I really hope the fans do go and enjoy it. But it's been about knowing the reality and making those judgements."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:2026 World Cup in USA has 'huge' human rights risks, Amnesty says

byCosmopolite
in
March 31, 2026

2026 World Cup in USA faces 'huge' human rights risks: 'Deeply troubling time'

Millions of fans heading to the2026 World Cupface significant human rights risks, Amnesty International said, warning tha...
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