Sepp Blatter, former head of FIFA, has expressed serious concerns about the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will mainly take place in the USA. On his social media, he urged fans to refrain from traveling to this country.
Blatter supported the opinion of Swiss lawyer and corruption expert Mark Pieth, who characterized the trip across the ocean as risky. "I advise fans to avoid the USA. I agree with Mark Pieth, who questions the safety of this World Cup," he wrote.
The main reasons for his call are related to the strict immigration policy of the USA and security issues. Mark Pieth noted in an interview with Swiss media that in the current political instability, foreign fans may face deportation at the border at the slightest suspicion from the authorities.
He added: "On the screen, you will see everything better, but when trying to enter, you risk being sent home immediately." These comments come against the backdrop of recent tragic incidents in the USA, such as the death of activist Rene Good and nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, caused by the actions of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These events have sparked mass protests and discussions in Europe about the advisability of participating in the tournament. The vice president of the German Football Association, Oke Göttli, has already suggested the possibility of a boycott of the championship by European teams.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 and will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, with the USA hosting all key stages of the tournament, starting from the quarter-finals.
