Bay Area Host Committee Statement on Human Rights

February 2026

Major sporting events bring with them an opportunity for increased awareness of and education around some of our most complex societal challenges. This is a responsibility the Bay Area Host Committee takes very seriously.

For FIFA World Cup Host Cities, issues of social impact – what FIFA refers to as Human Rights -- have been integrated into our planning for FIFA World Cup 2026™ dating back to our respective bidding efforts.

Each host committee has different issues and areas of social impact we have chosen to focus on. As local organizing committees, we understand our role in this work but more importantly, we recognize and deeply respect the local experts, advocates, and organizations that do this critical work every day within our communities. To ensure maximum social impact for FIFA World Cup 2026™ in our region, we have chosen to engage with these local experts, advocates, and organizations to align with the social impact priorities that are most critical to the Bay Area and to amplify and integrate their resources into our planning. This approach affirms our commitment to social impact but acknowledges our limitations as a local organizing committee.

While FIFA and FIFA World Cup 2026 maintain authority over stadium and tournament operations, broadcast infrastructure, and other national/global functions, BAHC’s role is focused on delivering seamless fan and community experiences at BAHC-owned and operated events.

True to the spirit of the BAHC, our approach is focused not just on a single event, but on creating an enduring framework that promotes dignity, equity, and inclusion across all we do. This enduring commitment is exemplified in many programs BAHC has already launched including Bridge to Work, Sports for All and our endorsement of the Aspen Institute's Children's Bill of Rights in Sports.

FIFA World Cup 2026™ provides a powerful platform for host cities to support, elevate. and accelerate social impact work in our communities. Hosting this event does not begin this work, nor will it end it. We stand together as host cities in our shared commitment to driving social impact initiatives that benefit our respective communities today, through the tournament, and for decades to come.