Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has joined the growing list of international football figures advocating for a fan boycott of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, citing concerns over the policies and actions of former President Donald Trump’s administration. Blatter’s endorsement of the boycott was made public in a post on X, where he echoed comments made by Swiss attorney Mark Pieth in an interview with Der Bund. Pieth had previously criticized the United States as a host country for the tournament due to various political issues, urging fans to avoid attending matches in person.
Mark Pieth’s Warning and Blatter’s Support
Mark Pieth, a respected Swiss attorney and anti-corruption expert, who previously chaired the Independent Governance Committee overseeing FIFA reform, expressed his concerns about the U.S. hosting the World Cup. In his interview with Der Bund, Pieth advised fans to stay away from the U.S. for the World Cup, stating that they would have a better viewing experience on TV. He also warned that fans traveling to the U.S. could face harsh consequences if they did not comply with local authorities, suggesting they could be sent home immediately. Blatter, who served as FIFA president from 1998 to 2015, shared Pieth’s sentiments in his post, agreeing that the concerns raised about the U.S. were valid.
The call for a boycott is not just about the politics of football but also the broader socio-political environment in the United States during Trump’s presidency. Critics, including Blatter and Pieth, point to Trump’s aggressive policies on immigration, his administration's stance on Greenland, and the treatment of protestors, particularly in cities like Minneapolis, as key reasons why the U.S. is an inappropriate host for the global football community. Additionally, Trump’s expanded travel ban in December raised alarms, as it would bar citizens of several countries, including Senegal, Ivory Coast, Iran, and Haiti—nations with qualified teams—from attending the World Cup unless they already hold visas. These restrictions have thrown travel plans into disarray, particularly for fans from these African and Middle Eastern countries."For the fans, there's only one piece of advice: stay away from the USA!” I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup. #MarkPieth #GianniInfantino #DonaldTrump #FIFAWorldCup2026 #USA
— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) January 26, 2026
Growing Concerns Within the Football Community
Blatter’s backing of Pieth’s call for a boycott is just one example of the rising discontent among the international soccer community about the U.S. hosting the World Cup. Oke Göttlich, vice president of the German Football Federation, also spoke out recently, suggesting that the time has come to seriously consider boycotting the event due to the political climate and the actions of the U.S. government. These developments highlight the ongoing debate over whether the U.S. can be a suitable host for a global sporting event that celebrates unity and diversity.
The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches taking place from June 11 to July 19. As the tournament approaches, the controversy over its location continues to spark conversation, leaving many wondering how these political issues will affect the global football community’s participation.
