By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has publicly supported calls urging football fans not to travel to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, aligning himself with questioning of the tournament’s suitability as host amid safety and political concerns.
Blatter, who led FIFA from 1998 until 2015, shared his position on social media, echoing remarks made by Swiss anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth earlier this month. Pieth, who previously advised FIFA on reforms during Blatter’s tenure, has raised questions about the United States as a World Cup host, saying recent events and conditions in the country do not encourage supporters to travel there.
“For the fans, there’s only one piece of advice: stay away from the USA!” Blatter wrote on X. “I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup.” Blatter’s post referenced Pieth’s interview with Swiss media, which cited concerns about U.S. immigration enforcement and political marginalization among reasons supporters might reconsider attending matches on American soil.
Pieth’s critique has focused on broader issues relating to internal U.S. affairs, including how political opponents are treated and reports of abuse by immigration services. Those remarks, while controversial, reflect heightened scrutiny from some European commentators about the environment surrounding the World Cup’s major host nation. Blatter’s endorsement amplifies these concerns within the global football community.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, with the United States hosting the majority of fixtures. Blatter’s comments come amid ongoing debates in some parts of the football world about travel, safety, human rights and political context surrounding the event.
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