New York, June 11 -- United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has called for a "massive rethink" of United States immigration and security policies ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, warning that reports of visa denials, heightened screening and alleged racial profiling risk overshadowing the global showpiece.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Turk said the tournament, which kicks off on Thursday across the United States, Canada and Mexico, should provide a welcoming environment for players, officials and supporters from around the world.

"Mega sporting events are meant to be events where the world comes together in unity and in peace," Turk said.

"The tradition [in ancient Greece] was that this should also lead...