Avoid US for World Cup – Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has suggested that football fans should avoid traveling to the United States for the 2026 World Cup due to rising security concerns.
Blatter’s statement comes amid mounting calls from experts and football authorities for a potential boycott of the tournament, as worries over fan safety intensify.
Blatter expressed his support for Swiss anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth, who has worked with FIFA on reform efforts.
Pieth recently recommended that supporters stay away from the US, citing recent incidents that have raised serious safety concerns for visitors. “I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup,” Blatter wrote on social media, echoing Pieth’s advice.
The recommendation comes in the wake of violent incidents in the US, including the killing of Renee Good, a protester shot by an American immigration agent in Minneapolis earlier this month.
Another recent death involved Alex Pretti, highlighting tensions between citizens, immigrants, and law enforcement. Pieth warned that such events create a climate that discourages international fans from attending matches in the US. Blatter’s endorsement signals that these concerns should be taken seriously by the global football community.
The 2026 World Cup is set to take place from 11 June to 19 July, hosted jointly by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Fans traveling to the tournament may find themselves navigating complex security protocols.
Pieth told Swiss daily Tages-Anzeiger, “For fans, just one piece of advice: avoid the United States! You’ll get a better view on television anyway.
Upon arrival, fans should expect that if they don’t behave properly with the authorities, they will be immediately sent home. If they’re lucky …” Blatter shared this advice, emphasizing the importance of caution.
Blatter also highlighted the broader political climate in the US, noting that domestic issues, including the marginalization of political opponents and abuses by immigration services, create an environment that is not welcoming to foreign visitors.
Pieth said, “What we are seeing domestically – the marginalisation of political opponents, abuses by immigration services, et. – hardly encourages fans to go there.” Blatter’s support of these statements reinforces the message that fans should prioritize safety over attending in person.
During his tenure as FIFA president, Blatter faced multiple scandals, eventually resigning in 2015. He was succeeded by Gianni Infantino, who has fostered close ties with US president Donald Trump.
Despite controversies surrounding FIFA, Blatter has remained outspoken about issues affecting football globally. He and former UEFA chief Michel Platini were acquitted last year on charges related to a delayed payment of 2 million Swiss francs made by FIFA to Platini in 2011 for consultancy services.
Blatter’s comments now place him in the spotlight again, highlighting the intersection of football governance and international safety concerns.
For fans considering travel, the advice is clear. Pieth stressed that visitors should exercise extreme caution, and Blatter reinforced that international supporters might face serious consequences if they fail to follow local rules.
“Upon arrival, fans should expect that if they don’t behave properly with the authorities, they will be immediately sent home. If they’re lucky …” These words underscore the real risks involved in attending matches in the US, particularly for international fans unfamiliar with local regulations and law enforcement practices.
Security concerns are further amplified by recent high-profile cases that have garnered global attention. The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti have raised questions about the US government’s approach to protests, immigration, and law enforcement accountability.
Pieth and Blatter suggest that these incidents should serve as warnings for fans, reinforcing that watching games remotely might be safer than attending in person.
The 2026 World Cup represents a major milestone, with millions of fans expected to follow matches across three countries. While excitement remains high, Blatter’s and Pieth’s warnings have reignited debates about the suitability of the US as a host nation.
Fans now face the difficult task of weighing their enthusiasm for attending the tournament against the potential risks to their personal safety.
Organizers have emphasized that security measures will be in place, but Blatter’s advice underscores the need for fans to exercise caution.
Pieth highlighted abuses by immigration authorities and the marginalization of political opponents as reasons why visitors might encounter difficulties during their stay.
By publicly supporting these statements, Blatter has elevated the conversation about fan safety from a local concern to an international warning.
Blatter’s endorsement of Pieth’s advice is not merely cautionary; it reflects a broader concern about the ethical and political environment surrounding the World Cup.
Fans traveling to North America are now confronted with difficult decisions, balancing the thrill of live football with the reality of heightened security risks.
Blatter’s words serve as a reminder that the World Cup, while a global sporting celebration, exists within a complex political and social landscape that can directly affect attendees.
As the tournament approaches, football communities worldwide are watching closely. Blatter’s advice to avoid the US for the World Cup has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of host nations, the role of FIFA in ensuring fan safety, and the ethical considerations surrounding international sporting events. Pieth’s warnings, reinforced by Blatter, have become a reference point for fans planning their travel.
While some argue that attending the World Cup in person is an irreplaceable experience, the advice of Blatter and Pieth cannot be ignored.
Fans may find that following their recommendations—watching matches remotely and avoiding unnecessary travel—offers the best way to enjoy the tournament without putting themselves at risk.
The ongoing dialogue between former FIFA leaders, legal experts, and fans highlights how global football is intertwined with political and social realities.
Blatter’s comments also bring attention to the need for stronger security measures, transparent governance, and accountability in host nations.
By publicly advocating for fan caution, Blatter reinforces that international sporting events are not immune to the challenges posed by political instability and social unrest.
For the millions planning to follow the 2026 World Cup, these warnings provide critical context for their travel decisions.
In summary, Sepp Blatter has urged football supporters to avoid traveling to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, citing security concerns and recent high-profile incidents.
By supporting Mark Pieth’s recommendations, Blatter highlights broader issues including domestic abuses, political marginalization, and the risks fans may face while attending the tournament.
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With millions of eyes on North America, the advice to prioritize safety over attendance has become a defining aspect of the build-up to the World Cup.
