Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has stirred fresh controversy by publicly supporting calls for football supporters to avoid traveling to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing concerns about safety and domestic issues in the host nation.
Blatter voiced his backing for remarks made by Swiss anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth, who has questioned whether the United States is an appropriate destination for the sport’s flagship event. Pieth highlighted the death of protester Renee Good at the hands of a US immigration agent in Minneapolis earlier this month as one of several reasons fans should reconsider their travel plans — commentary that has gained renewed attention following the recent death of another US citizen, Alex Pretti.
“I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup,” Blatter wrote on social media, urging fans to think twice before planning their attendance. The disputes come against the backdrop of broader concerns about marginalisation of political opponents and mistreatment by immigration authorities, which Pieth said could make the environment less welcoming for international supporters.
Pieth even suggested that supporters might be better off watching matches on television rather than undertaking potentially difficult travel, warning that visitors could be subject to strict treatment by local authorities.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026. Blatter’s comments have reignited debate over the intersection of sport, politics, and human rights in the run-up to the tournament.
While Blatter’s remarks add fuel to discussions around fan safety and engagement with the event, many national federations and supporters are likely to approach the tournament with enthusiasm, reflecting contrasting views on the viability of attending matches in the USA.
