Koeman Raises Safety Concerns: 'Right to Demand Safety' at World Cup
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman echoes Amnesty International's concerns about safety at the FIFA World Cup, emphasizing the need for a secure environment.
“You don’t want this. Sport should be enjoyable, and you should be able to go somewhere safely...”
Dutch boss Ronald Koeman is echoing Amnesty International's safety concerns for the World Cup, saying it's “everyone's duty” to ensure a safe environment. This comes after Amnesty International released a report warning that “severe restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful protest threaten the 'safe, welcoming and inclusive' tournament promised by FIFA.”
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has expressed concern over safety issues in the US, Mexico, and Canada ahead of the World Cup, stating that “sport should be enjoyable, and you should be able to go somewhere safely.”
Koeman emphasized that ensuring safety is a collective responsibility, involving fans, players, and the entire organization, including FIFA. He added that it's right for people to demand safety during the tournament.
The Netherlands is set to play Ecuador in a friendly match on Tuesday, and Koeman's comments come after Amnesty International raised concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful protest at the World Cup.
“You don’t want this. Sport should be enjoyable, and you should be able to go somewhere safely. As a fan, too, you should be able to support your country safely. There needs to be clarity on this, and it needs to be properly organised,” said Koeman.
Millions of football fans attending the 2026 FIFA Men’s #WorldCup in Canada, Mexico and the USA risk coming face to face with troubling attacks on human rights, not least those stemming from abusive and deadly US immigration policies. pic.twitter.com/4c3mxpBnhd
— Amnesty International (@amnesty) March 30, 2026
He said, “But that is down to all the associations. That is down to the entire organisation, including FIFA. I believe it will be properly organised. We are counting on that. I think it is right that people demand that players and fans must be safe during the World Cup.”
The Netherlands are set to face Japan, Tunisia, and the winner of the UEFA Playoff B (Sweden/Poland) in Group F of the 2026 World Cup. Their matches will be held in Dallas, Houston, and Kansas City.
Here's a breakdown of their schedule:
- June 14: Netherlands vs. Japan at AT&T Stadium, Arlington (Dallas)
- June 20: Netherlands vs. UEFA Playoff B winner at NRG Stadium, Houston
- June 25: Tunisia vs. Netherlands at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
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