Italian activist Laika installed two protest art pieces at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, to denounce human rights violations and United States anti-migrant policies ahead of the World Cup 2026.
The artistic action took place on June 11, directly confronting the governing body of world football on its own premises.
RELATED: The World Cup of Invisible Borders
The activist targeted the central offices to expose what she terms a structural collusion between sports executives and political elites, specifically highlighting the controversial role of the United States as a co-host of the upcoming global tournament.
Sport As Trade
The first installation, placed on the main entrance sign of the FIFA headquarters, is titled “Death Cup.” This graphic work illustrates FIFA President Gianni Infantino alongside the President of the United States, Donald Trump. In the drawing, both leaders are seen smiling while lifting the iconic World Cup trophy, which the artist has modified to resemble a human skull. This visual metaphor directly attacks the commercialization of sports, indicating that financial gain and corporate agreements are being prioritized over human lives and ethical responsibilities.
According to the critical framework presented by the artist, this alliance represents a dangerous normalization of political regimes that systematically violate international law. By hosting the tournament in North America, FIFA acts as an active partner in washing the image of governments that enforce xenophobic agendas. The “Death Cup” symbolizes the human cost of these massive sporting events, where corporate profits overshadow the structural violence endured by marginalized communities.
Border Violence Denounced
The second piece of the intervention, titled “FIFA Crime Cup 2026“, was installed on wooden panels in Zurich to directly address the militarized border reality in North America. The image shows a football supporter wearing the Mexican national football team jersey with a Mexican flag in his pocket. The fan stands with his hands raised in surrender while being frisked by two security agents. One of the officers prominently displays the patch of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the agency responsible for millions of deportations.
This artwork highlights the profound contradiction between the inclusive marketing of the World Cup 2026 and the violent migration policies of the United States.
While the official discourse celebrates a joint tournament across the United States, Mexico and Canada under the banner of unity, the Washington administration continues to militarize the southern border and criminalize Latin American migrants. The artist points out that this mega-event cannot be detached from the pain of families separated by walls and detentions.
The protest ultimately calls on football fans and the international community to recognize the geopolitical background of the World Cup 2026. It insists that the entertainment industry must not serve as a tool to silence the ongoing humanitarian crisis at the borders.
By bringing these raw images directly to Zurich, the intervention ensures that the struggle of migrants remains at the center of the global conversation, challenging the narrative of peace and unity promoted by sports authorities.
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]
