Heading for the World Cup? Warning: You could be Trumped

Planning to head to the US for the FIFA World Cup later this year? 

 
More than 120 civil society organisations and fan groups have advised extreme caution in a letter to visiting fans, The New York Times reports. 

Among the signatories to the letter are Amnesty International USA, Reporters Without Borders, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The total includes organisations from each of the World Cup’s 11 host cities. 

The US is a co-host of the event with Canada and Mexico. 

The letter warns that those from immigrant communities, racial and ethnic minority groups, and LGBTQ+ individuals are “most vulnerable to serious harm” when travelling within the country due to government policies. 

The advisory, published Thursday, is directed towards fans, players, journalists, and other visitors, calling upon each individual to “exercise caution and have an emergency contingency plan” amidst what they term as the “Trump administration’s rising authoritarianism and increasing violence”.

Evidence cited as part of the advisory includes 48 deaths in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody since the beginning of 2025, total or partial restrictions on entries for visitors from 39 countries, and the presence of ICE agents at airports across the US over recent months.

Both FIFA and the White House rejected these concerns in statements to The Athletic, the New York Times' sports outlet.

The advisory warns of six separate risks to visitors, saying these are “in breach of the United States’ human rights obligations under domestic and international law”. 

These are:

*The arbitrary denial of entry and risk of detention and/or deportation
*Expanded limitations on travel and entry into the U.S.
*Invasive social media screening and searches of electronic devices
* “Violent and unconstitutional” immigration enforcement, including racial profiling and other discrimination
* “Suppression” of speech and protest
* Serious risk of mistreatment while being held in immigration detention facilities

They advise that visitors secure electronic devices by removing sensitive information and turning off facial recognition or fingerprint passwords, as well as alerting friends and family to their exact itinerary.

“FIFA has been paying lip service to human rights while cosying up with the Trump administration, putting millions of people at risk of being harmed and their basic rights violated,” said Jamil Dakwar, human rights program director at the ACLU. 

“The Trump administration’s abusive actions continue to threaten our communities, tourists, and fans alike - and it’s past time that FIFA uses its leverage to push for meaningful policy changes and binding assurances that will make people feel safe to travel and enjoy the games.” 

Representatives from Trump’s administration and the White House’s World Cup Task Force strongly pushed back at any suggestion questioning the tournament’s safety, the newspaper reported.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, the White House World Cup Task Force has worked relentlessly to ensure the 2026 World Cup will be the most incredible sporting event in U.S. history,” said Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House’s World Cup Task Force.

Singapore Airlines has a treat for football lovers

Love your football? Flying during the World Cup later this year?

Singapore Airlines (SIA) says it has you covered.

Customers will be able to enjoy the action from the FIFA World Cup 2026 from June 11 to July 19 with the airline showing the matches live via Sport 24 on its KrisWorld Live TV system.

Football fans will be able to watch all the action in real time.

"Bringing the excitement of the FIFA World Cup on board keeps our customers connected to one of the world’s biggest sporting events at 30,000 feet," says Yeoh Phee Teik, senior vice president for customer experience at Singapore Airlines. .

"These live football matches complement our KrisWorld line-up, and reflect our commitment to continuously enhance the Singapore Airlines in-flight experience and offerings."

KrisWorld Live TV keeps customers connected to major global sporting events via Sport 24, as well as news and business updates via BBC News.

It is available on all SIA Boeing 787-10 and Boeing 737-8 aircraft, as well as 41 Airbus A350-900 and eight Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. 

Live broadcasts are, however, subject to satellite coverage, broadcaster arrangements, and regulatory approvals on selected routes.

Hit the road: US rolls out new travel campaign

The United States’ destination marketing organization is rolling out a new campaign to bolster travel demand in key markets,.

Brand USA’s global campaign America the Beautiful launched this week in London at Brand USA Travel Week, aimed at connecting US destinations with international buyers and media after reduced visitor numbers in the first half of the year.

The campaign, first unveiled in June, followed cuts to Brand USA’s federal funding at a time when political rhetoric and restrictive policies have curbed international tourism to the US, travel news hub Skift reported.

The campaign will roll out on connected TV, streaming, out-of-home, digital, and social media platforms across nine major markets: the UK, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, Ireland, Japan, Mexico and South Korea.

It is timed to promote growth ahead of 2026, a year marked by the FIFA World Cup, America’s 250th anniversary, and the Route 66 centennial.

"The United States remains the top international destination for long-haul leisure travel in the world, reflecting the enduring appeal of our varied and unique destinations and experiences," said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA.

“With America the Beautiful, we're delivering a fresh invitation to explore the USA in new and exciting ways. 

"As we look ahead to 2026 and the decade of mega events on the horizon, we remain laser-focused on maximizing international tourism opportunities to drive economic impact and job growth while inviting the world to celebrate 250 years of America the Beautiful.”

The message sounds a little Trumpian.

"America the Beautiful tells the story of America bigger, bolder, and more beautifully than ever before -balancing the power of place with the depth of human connection,” said Leah Chandler, chief marketing officer of Brand USA.

“Every element, from powerful creative storytelling to AI-powered planning tools, is designed to inspire travellers to see America in new ways and to turn that inspiration into action.

"We're not asking people to simply visit America; we're inviting them to feel it, taste it, and carry home experiences that become core memories.”

Brand USA Travel Week India (January 18-23, 2026) and Brand USA Travel Week South America (March 16-20, 2026) will be key events in markets with strong potential for inbound travel growth.

To learn more about Brand USA, visit TheBrandUSA.com.

A whole lot of trash talking in Kansas City

I see a lot of press releases making dubious claims, but the good people from Visit Kansas City have set the bar pretty high.

When you think of soccer destinations, you might think of Madrid, Milan, Manchester or Liverpool. Or maybe Buenos Aires

But, according to VKC, "Kansas City, Missouri, is poised to become the ultimate destination for travellers and soccer aficionados alike".

OK. Big claim Kansas City. Why?

"An exciting line-up of events and attractions set to captivate visitors from around the globe. From the anticipation of hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches to the unveiling of the groundbreaking CPKC Stadium, the first purpose-built women’s soccer stadium in the world, Kansas City is buzzing with energy and excitement."

FIFA recently announced Kansas City will host six World Cup games in 2026.

Matches will be held at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the 2024 Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.

But that's not all.

"Adding to the excitement is the inauguration of the Kansas City Current’s purpose-built soccer stadium, CPKC Stadium. The construction of this state-of-the-art facility (above) is a historic moment in women’s sports."

Right. 

"It not only signifies Kansas City’s commitment to equality and inclusion in sports but also serves as a beacon for aspiring athletes worldwide."

Yep. It's all they are talking about in Kinshasa and La Paz.

And the last time I checked (about five minutes ago) "equality and inclusion" meant the same for everyone. Not a much smaller stadium for women. That holds just 11,500 people. 

But maybe that's just me.

For more info see VisitKC.com.

The Messi Burger is getting even louder

The very loud Hard Rock Cafe fast-food chain has enjoyed success with its partnership with renowned Paris St Germain and Argentina soccer star Lionel Messi.

Earlier this year, the Hard Rock chain released a Messi Burger.

It obviously sold well, because it is now releasing a new Champion's Edition burger - and a massive swag of Messi/Hard Rock memorabilia and leisurewear.

The Champion's Edition now features three complimentary dipping sauces: aioli, Latin chili and "Messi's favourite" chimichurri.

"It is an honour to continue our partnership with world-renowned soccer star Lionel Messi, and take the Live Greatness campaign to the next level with the Messi Burger Champion's Edition," says hugely enthusiastic Anibal Fernandez, senior vice president of Cafe Division, Hard Rock International (great job title Anibal!).

"We couldn't be more excited to help Hard Rock and Messi fans get in on the action and they are going to love the new sauces, each of which complements the Messi Burger in its own unique way."

The Messi Burger launched in March 2022 featuring a double stack of beef patties, toppings including provolone cheese, sliced chorizo, caramelized red onion and sauce served on a toasted brioche bun with shredded romaine lettuce and vine-ripened tomato.

Plus, just in time for the World Cup (a brilliant money making opportunity for everyone) the brand is releasing a new retail collection including hoodies, baseball caps and T-Shirts available for purchase at Hard Rock Cafe locations worldwide.

All merchandise from the collaboration between Hard Rock and Lionel Messi is available in stores and online.

Heathrow strike threat could disrupt World Cup plans

So far this year dysfunctional Heathrow Airport has endured a summer of cancelled flights, long lines and delays, a plague of lost luggage issues and the imposition of a daily passenger limit. 

Now a threat to strike by several hundred Heathrow workers could disrupt travel for fans the run-up to the World Cup finals in Qatar laster this month.

The Unite union said 700 workers employed by Dnata and Menzies at Heathrow are involved in pay disputes and considering strikes for three days starting from November 18, Travel Mole reported. 

“It will lead to disruption, cancellations and delays at Heathrow," Unite said.

“The strike action will particularly affect Qatar Airways, which has scheduled an additional 10 flights a week during the World Cup.”

Other airlines that could be impacted including Virgin Atlantic, Cathay-Pacific and Emirates.

Unite said Dnata had offered a 5% increase, and Menzies between 2% and 6%, which the union calls 'real pay cuts'.

“Strike action will inevitably cause disruption to flights at Heathrow, with travellers to the World Cup particularly affected,” Unite regional officer Kevin Hall said.

The workers threatening strike action are involved in ground handling, airside transport and cargo. 

Football fans could face the prospect of missing England’s first game, a group match against Iran on November 21 as well as other matches. 

Qatar wants to spy on World Cup visitors

With the World cup finals in Qatar just a month away, Qatar’s government is causing concern to visitors with newly imposed demands on fans travelling to the tournament.

 The Qatari government requires all foreign visitors to download a pair of apps that provide officials with rights to access data on their phones - apps that could be considered as spyware.

Ehteraz is a Covid-19 tracking app that can manipulate content on a user’s phone. It can also override installed software and disable a phone’s lock screen.

Hayya, which tracks match info and access to the public transport system in Qatar, has permission to share information on a user’s phone.

Øyvind Vasaasen, the head of security at Norsk Rikskringkasting AS (NRK), the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, warned against uploading the apps.

“It’s not my job to give travel advice, but personally, I would never bring my mobile phone on a visit to Qatar,” Vasaasen told the NHK website.

“When you download these two apps, you accept the terms stated in the contract, and those terms are very generous. You essentially hand over all the information in your phone. 

"You give the people who control the apps the ability to read and change things, and tweak it. They also get the opportunity to retrieve information from other apps if they have the capacity to do so, and we believe they do.”

NRK has submitted its findings about the security loopholes to FIFA but the organisers, not keen on rocking the boat, reportedly say they do not wish to comment on the matter.

Qatar has previously come under fire for human rights violations and the treatment of migrant labourers employed to build stadiums for the tournament. 

  

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy is flat out

With just over a month until the Bugger Human Rights World Cup kicks off in Qatar, the quaintly named Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy is in full cry.

It reported ticket sales for the 2022 tournament are approaching 3 million as the countdown continues to the World Cup tournament, which will kick off at Al Bayt Stadium on November 20.

During a press conference in Doha this week, organisers announced a further 30,000 rooms had been made available to World Cup visitors - something they might have thought about when they planned for the event.

Qatar will stage 64 matches at eight "state-of-the-art" stadiums during the event.

Accommodation is apparently available from the Qatar Accommodation Agency and rooms can be booked from $80 per person, per night based on two-person occupancy.

Accommodation options include hotels, apartments, cruise ships and fan villages.

"We have always said that Qatar will deliver the best ever edition of the FIFA World Cup," said the impossibly positive FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

"And as you look around the country today, at the state-of-the-art stadiums, the training pitches, the metro, the wider infrastructure, everything is ready and everyone is welcome."

Except maybe members of the LBGTQI+ community and the many slaves (sorry, guest workers), who died during stadium construction.

"The world [meaning FIFA and its many sponsors] is excited. Qatar is ready. The stage is set. Together, we will deliver the best World Cup ever on and off the field."

So the man is a fortune teller.

Eng. Yasir Al Jamal, director general for that Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, said: "After more than a decade of hard work and close collaboration with stakeholders across the country, Qatar stands ready to host a memorable edition of the FIFA World Cup. 

"The compact nature of our tournament means visitors will never be far from the action - always close to a stadium or entertainment activation. We look forward to hosting a tournament that will live long in the memory for fans from across the globe."

Further information about Qatar's additional cultural and entertainment fan destinations can be found at www.qatar2022.qa/en/live-it-all-in-qatar.

How to combine a cruise experience with the World Cup

Heading for the World Cup in Qatar, but struggling to find accommodation?

How about combining a cruise experience with the football?

MSC Cruises has announced that MSC Opera will become a cruise ship hotel in Doha, working in cooperation with Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.

The ship will be berthed ready to welcome visitors in the port from November 19 through to December 19, joining MSC World Europa and MSC Poesia during this period.

This new accommodation opportunity for football fans and visitors to Doha can be booked for a minimum of two nights through MSC Cruises Australia here or by calling the MSC Cruises Contact Centre on 1300 028 502.

MSC Opera is described as offering "elegant comfort and unique hospitality with a variety of lounges and entertainment venues".

It also has a range of restaurants, a spa, gym, swimming pools and whirlpools located throughout the ship’s nine decks.

For more information visit msccruises.com.au

# I have cruised with MSC and found it a pleasurable experience.

Own goal as Beckham accepts Qatari cash

David Beckham was a pretty decent footballer.

But post-football the former England international has become something of a publicity-seeking show pony.

His latest money-making stunt hits new lows.

Ahead of the World Cup in Qatar - a country slammed for its human rights abuses - Beckham is shamelessly spruiking the Middle East destination as a great place for a holiday.

Perhaps the reason he is so keen on Qatar is the fact that he signed a reported £150 million 10-year deal to become a tourism ambassador. That's an eye-watering $255 million in Aussie dollars.

Amnesty International says: "In the decade since Qatar was awarded the right to host the World Cup, exploitation and abuse of migrant workers has been rampant, with workers exposed to forced labour, unpaid wages and excessive working hours."

Human Rights Watch and the International Trade Union Confederation allege that the Kafala system leaves all migrant workers vulnerable to systematic abuse.

And, of course, homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and Amnesty says women and LGBTQ+ people "continue to face discrimination in law and practice".

But none of that worries David.

"From exploring the winding spice markets of Souq Waqif, soaking up local street art, cooking tacos [tacos?], camping in the desert, and sightseeing around Doha by motorbike, Beckham accompanies local personalities to discover a country of countless surprises," says Qatar's PR spiel.

Apparently, over 80% of the world’s population live within a six-hour flight from Qatar and Qatar Tourism is seeking to raise awareness of "the world’s best value stopover packages" through Qatar Airways.

The chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar Al Baker, said: “It has been a pleasure to welcome David to Qatar, where he has immersed himself in the culture and experienced first-hand the warm hospitality of the people".

A pity that stadium workers were not given such a great welcome. The Guardian reported that
6,500 migrant workers have died in Qatar since it was awarded World Cup hosting rights. 

Shameless Beckham says: “Qatar has surprised me with a wide range of great experiences you can have in just 48 hours. The people are warm and welcoming, and it is a great place to spend a few days.”

I think I'll pass.