Former FIFA chief backs warning that supporters should “stay away” due to border policies and political climate, plunging tournament into fresh controversy.
In a move that reignites controversy around the upcoming tournament, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has publicly urged football fans to reconsider traveling to the United States for its share of the 2026 World Cup. His warning cites deep concerns over American security practices, aggressive immigration enforcement, and the nation’s divisive political atmosphere.
Blatter endorsed stark advice from Swiss lawyer Mark Pieth, an anti-corruption expert who once advised FIFA, who suggested supporters would be “better off watching on television.” Pieth pointed to recent deaths linked to clashes with federal authorities and stringent border controls as key risks, warning fans could face intense scrutiny or even deportation.
“I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup,” Blatter stated in a social media post, amplifying the call for a travel boycott.
The 2026 event, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, will see the majority of its matches played in American stadiums. However, the prospect of a subdued fan presence now looms, complicated by expanded U.S. travel bans. Supporters from qualified nations like Iran and Haiti are expected to be barred entirely, while fans from Senegal and Ivory Coast face major hurdles without pre-existing visas.
Safety concerns have also spilled into the political arena. President Donald Trump recently suggested moving matches away from host cities he deemed “unsafe,” drawing sharp rebukes from local organizers and officials.
The boycott idea is gaining traction in football circles. Oke Göttlich, a vice-president of the German football federation, stated the notion should be “seriously considered.”
Blatter, who resigned in 2015 amid corruption probes and was later acquitted, remains a persistent critic of FIFA’s current leadership. His intervention adds a charged, political dimension to the tournament’s preparations. Current FIFA President Gianni Infantino has dismissed the concerns, expressing confidence fans will still attend in large numbers. Yet, with influential voices now urging fans to stay home, organizers face a growing public relations challenge alongside the logistical feat of hosting the world’s largest sporting event.
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