The United States is shaped by a long and often difficult history of migration, colonisation, slavery, segregation and struggles around race, identity and belonging.

The social and economic impacts of these histories continue today through inequalities in housing, wealth, healthcare, education and policing. Many host cities are also shaped by powerful histories of resistance, migration, community organising, music, food, sport and cultural production.

Black, Latino, Asian, Indigenous, migrant and multifaith communities are central to the identity of many World Cup cities. Visitors may encounter public conversations around race, migration, religion and identity that feel more visible or politically charged than in some other countries.

The United States is home to diverse religious communities including Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and other faith groups.

Experiences may differ depending on language, accent, nationality, immigration status, religion or perceived ethnicity. Islamophobia, antisemitism, anti-Asian racism and anti-Black discrimination continue to be reported across the United States, including online, in public spaces and around political events.

Indigenous peoples and Native nations remain an important part of the social, cultural and political landscape of the United States. Indigenous communities are present across the country, including large urban Indigenous populations as well as reservation and tribal lands. Ongoing discussions around land, sovereignty and political representation remain important issues for many Indigenous communities.

Civil rights organisations have criticised some immigration enforcement and policing practices for disproportionately affecting Black, Latino and other communities of colour, including through racial profiling and higher detention rates.