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.

Why Vancouver might just be the most appealing World Cup host city

With the dawn of 2026 we are close to the latest edition of the FIFA World Cup finals.

This time around the competition is more bloated than ever and hosting duties will be shared by Canada, Mexico and the US.

I've covered four of these tournaments in the past: in Spain, Mexico, Italy and France, but am now happy to watch a few games on TV.

Given the ongoing madness in the US, if I were planning a visit the I'd be tempted by a few games in Vancouver, British Colombia, a delightful city in a sane country that I have been fortunate enough to visit a few times.

The World Cup arrives in BC for seven matches between June 13 and July 7 with games taking place on the traditional territories of the three host First Nations: xʷməθkʷəyəm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh).

Local tourism organisations hope the event will spotlight the cultures, voices, and communities of Indigenous peoples and diverse cultures that call this part of Canada home.

Outside the stadium lies a province as immense as it is diverse: nearly four times the size of the UK and Ireland combined.

BC Place Stadium in downtown Vancouver is a key venue for FIFA World Cup 26 with its seven games including two featuring Canada's national team, one starring Australia and two showcasing New Zealand.


Here's the full match schedule at BC Place:
Australia v Kosovo/Romania/Slovakia/Türkiye | Group D | June 13
Canada v Qatar | Group B | June 18
New Zealand v Egypt | Group G | June 21
Switzerland v Canada | Group B | June 24
New Zealand v. Belgium | Group G | June 26
Match 85 | Round of 32 | July 2
Match 96 | Round of 16 | July 7

Vancouver is a city worth several days of anyone's time, World Cup or not.


It is gorgeous urban area, framed by mountains, temperate rainforest, and Pacific coastline - with the ski resort of Whistler not far away.


National Geographic recently named Vancouver among its Best of the World 2026 list.


The downtown area is home to beaches, ocean views, and 27 kilometres of forested trails.


Visual highlights include Grouse Mountain with city-to-sea views and its new Grouse Bike Park, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Squamish Canyon.


Whales splashing off Vancouver's coast - Orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, and bald eagles - turn the Salish Sea into their arena, Tours depart from Granville Island in Vancouver, also home to one of the best produce markets in the world (below).



Hungry fans will be well catered for: from street food to fine dining, from historic Gastown to leafy Stanley Park.


Pan-Asian flavours rule at the Richmond Night Market, one of the largest in North America, while in the Okanagan wine valley Kelowna was recently named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, the first in Canada.

Visitors can experience Salmon n' Bannock, the only First Nations restaurant in Vancouver, showcasing local Indigenous ingredients with a modern twist.


This multi-cultural city is also home to Little Italy, an eight-block stretch along Commercial Drive in Vancouver and the Punjabi Market, a three-block area in the Sunset neighbourhood - home to one of the largest south Asian communities in Canada.


Here is a BC Fact Sheet to explore quick facts and key context about British Columbia, provided by Destination BC/Destination Vancouver.


See https://www.destinationbc.ca/ and https://www.destinationvancouver.com/

Messi kicking goals with his hotel investments

Most people know Lionel Messi as a soccer legend for Argentina, Barcelona, Paris St Germain and now Inter Miami. 

But few are aware that twinkle-toed Messi is also a hotel mogul. 

Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, owns six properties under the MiM Hotels name. 

Until recently the hotels were managed independently by Majestic Hotel Group but from November 1 they will be managed by Spanish hotel industry giant Meliá Hotels International.

Meliá sees the potential to turn athlete branding into long-term global growth, travel news portal Skift reports. 

The agreement was announced this week. Majestic Hotel Group had managed the hotels since the brand's launch in 2017 but they will now be part of the Meliá Collection. 

Messi's portfolio includes properties in Sitges, Sotogrande, Mallorca, Ibiza, and Baqueira Beret, in Spain, as well as a hotel in Andorra. 

Each hotel features Messi-branded elements like a “Messi Suite” and sporting memorabilia.

“The strength of this alliance lies in the complementarity (is there such a word?) between the MiM Hotels and The Meliá Collection," said Gabriel Escarrer, Chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International.

"Both share a common philosophy and a compelling value proposition for the most discerning travellers - driven by the inspiration of a global icon like Leo Messi and the proven expertise of a leading hospitality group like Meliá.”

See https://mimhotels.com/en

Soccer great to coach kids on an island paradise

If you have a budding George Best or Alexia Putellas in your family and fancy an exotic holiday break then Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort has a football program that might just kick a few goals.

The resort will welcome former soccer star Michael Owen for an exclusive kids’ football camp taking place from October 20-24.

Participants will have the chance to train with the former England striker who has played for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United and Manchester United. And is is certainly a more appealing venue than Manchester or Liverpool.

Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort's Football Camp with Michael Owen promises "high-energy coaching sessions" on the resort’s football pitch, culminating in a grand finale on October 24, where participants will be awarded medals and certificates to celebrate their achievements.

The camp is complimentary for kids aged 15 who are staying at the resort during this time. Adults, meanwhile, can kick back in a spectacular setting.

"Football has given me so many incredible experiences and I’m excited to share my knowledge and love for the game with the next generation at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort,” said Owen.

“Whether they’re taking their first steps on the pitch or refining their skills, this camp is all about fun, teamwork, and learning in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations."

For more details see www.avanihotels.com/en/fares-maldives/retreats/football-camp-michael-owen-maldives. 

Rooms start from $US1,000 net per night for a family of four in a two-bedroom beach front pavilion (half board).

Mourinho aims to kick goals with his celebrity wine

Larger-than-life soccer manager Jose Mourinho is the latest celebrity to lunch his own wine - and it will cost you big time if you want to buy a bottle of his The Special One red blend.

Portuguese-born Mourinho is one the most famous managers in the world, having been in charge of clubs including Benfica, Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, AS Roma, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Real Madrid and currently Fenerbahçe in Istanbul.

Mourinho led Porto to the Champions League title in 2004 and his first beverage is a wine from a close to the city of Porto.

The Special One, the nickname Mourinho gave himself, is a Douro red made from a blend of touriga nacional, touriga franca, tinta barroca and sousão, news portal The Drinks Business reports.

A bottle will set you back €144 if you pre-order in Europe, or $220 in Australia via https://thespecialonewine.com.au/

In a blurb adorning the presentation box that wine is presented in, Mourinho says: “As someone who values precision, quality, and excellence in every endeavour, I am proud to present The Special One.

“Hand-picked from one of my favourite regions in Portugal, this wine reflects the spirit of my homeland and my relentless desire to enjoy every moment in life.

“Crafted with passion and care, it is a gift from one special one to another. Whether you’re celebrating a victory or spending time with people you care about, this wine is meant to be shared with someone truly special.”

Hollywood stars expand their empire to include a brewery

Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are not content with owning a fast-rising soccer team.

Now they have snapped up their own brewery so they can toast the success of the Wrexham football club.

The pair has now acquired a majority stake in local brewery Wrexham Lager, drinks business reports. And as of December the beers are available in Australia. 

Reynolds and McElhenney purchased Wrexham AFC, now in EFL League One, in 2020, with the high-profile investment in the Welsh football club becoming the subject of FX documentary Welcome to Wrexham.

During their time owning the club, the duo has seen Wrexham AFC enjoy two successive promotions and a huge boost in publicity and crowd numbers.

Founded in 1882 by German Immigrants Ivan Levinstein and Otto Isle, Wrexham Lager was previously under the ownership of Carlsberg before then being acquired by Martin Jones, who worked at the brewery until 1987, when he became MP for Clwyd South. 

Jones revived the brewery, which had ceased operations in 2000, in 2011, procuring its rights for £1.

In a media statement, Reynolds and McElhenney said: “As co-chairmen of Wrexham AFC, we have learned a lot. The connection between club and community, the intricacies of the offside rule and the occasional need for beer — especially after finance meetings.”

“Wrexham Lager has a 140-year-old recipe and a storied history and we’re excited to help write its next chapter.”

The full financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but it is understood that the duo has acquired a majority stake.

Using sport to sell unsellable travel destinations

Have you ever watched a sporting event, seen a tourism sponsor on a shirt and then decided to visit that destination?

No? Me neither.

Yet there is a growing trend for tourism boards to splash out hundreds of thousands of dollars on logos and patches on football jerseys.

Close to home we have “Tasmania” on the Hawthorn AFL guernseys. It is part of a sponsorship package deal.

In the English Premier League, top team Arsenal has the bewildering slogan “Visit Rwanda” on its shirts.

It is hard to believe it has attracted one Gunners fan to hotfoot it from north London to Africa for their annual holiday rather than Mallorca.

Arsenal maintain their deal is about promoting tourism in a developing country rather than supporting the country's political leadership. Visit Rwanda, however,  is an arm of the Rwanda Development Board which is a government department. 

Visit Rwanda also has deals with Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.

MSC Cruises sponsors soccer teams including Chelsea, Paris St Germain and Napoli, which makes a little more sense. And AFC Bournemouth has a deal with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Association. OK. 

And airline sponsorships, of which there are many, sort of make sense.

But an announcement this week was particularly baffling: a deal between newly relegated English Premier League team Burnley and Visit Detroit. 

Maybe a lot of residents in the small northern English town have an interest in learning about urban degradation. Somehow I doubt it.

As per the agreement, the tourism board’s logo will feature as the Clarets’ main shirt sponsor during the team’s US pre-season. 

 
Visit Detroit (the city is pictured above) will additionally serve as Burnley’s travel wear partner. 

Since 2020, Burnley has been owned by US investment group ALK Capital, so there is some link, but it is hard to see just why anyone would make Detroit their US travel destination.

Marcus Mellor, Head of Commercial (silly title, that) at Burnley, said: “We are delighted to begin this new journey with Visit Detroit in this remarkable partnership.

“Football transcends geographical boundaries, and I’m pleased that through this collaboration we can strengthen our ties with US communities and fly the Clarets' flag stateside as we celebrate the passion for the beautiful game."

Detroit, for the uninitiated, was once known as Murder City and has had some of the highest crime rates in the US.

And you have to wonder whether Visit Detroit knows the difference between the Premier League, which draws worldwide attention, and the second-tier Championship, which does noe.   

I think they are all kidding themselves.

 the beautiful game.” 

 

 

 

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.

Bonza jumps on the Matildas' bandwagon - but leaves it too late

There is nothing like jumping on a bandwagon to seek some publicity.

And it is even more obvious when you time your stunt just a day too late.

In celebration of the Matildas' World Cup semi-final appearance, Australia's newest airline Bonza has promised to name its next aircraft 'Matilda'.

The airline with an eye for bogan appeal also has four aircraft named Shazza, Bazza, Sheila and Malc.

The fifth plane, due to arrive next year after the airline's Gold Coast base launch, will have Matilda painted on its side.

“Like the rest of the nation, our team of legends have been gripped by Matilda Mania thanks to their sportsmanship, mateship with one another and their pride in wearing the green and gold," says Carly Povey, Chief Commercial Officer at Bonza.

"As an airline that is solely focussed on Australia, it seemed fitting to name our next aircraft Matilda.

“From all of us here at Bonza, congratulations and well done to the Matildas for what you've achieved on and off the pitch.”

All a bit cheeky when you consider that Qantas is an "official partner " of the Matildas and actually spends money to support the team.