Ex-FIFA president Blatter calls to boycott 2026 World Cup

• Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has backed a call for fans to boycott the 2026 World Cup in the United States, citing grave security risks and "harsh treatment" of travelers under the current administration's immigration policies.
• The movement, supported by anti-corruption expert Mark Pieth and various global political figures, highlights specific grievances including U.S. travel bans on multiple nations, the killings of civilians by immigration agents, and astronomical ticket prices, with some seats for the final reaching nearly $8,700.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter endorsed a call for football fans to boycott attending matches at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, citing significant security and policy concerns under the current administration.

Blatter led FIFA from 1998 to 2015 before resigning amid corruption scandals.

His endorsement amplifies growing international unease about the tournament, which is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19 this year.

Blatter supported remarks by Swiss anti-corruption expert Mark Pieth, who previously chaired FIFA's Independent Governance Committee.

In an interview with the Swiss newspaper Der Bund, Pieth advised fans to "stay away from the USA," warning that travelers risk immediate deportation if they fail to comply with authorities.

He further suggested that viewers would have a superior experience watching the games on television, citing potential entry denials and harsh treatment.

The boycott call stems from concerns over policies implemented by the Trump administration, including travel bans affecting fans from countries such as Senegal, Ivory Coast, Iran, and Haiti due to alleged screening deficiencies.

Pieth highlighted incidents like the killing of Renee Good by a US immigration agent in Minneapolis and the death of US citizen Alex Pretti amid enforcement actions, pointing to broader issues of migrant mistreatment and political marginalization.

Additional criticisms include the administration's expansionist stance toward Greenland and aggressive immigration tactics.

Blatter's post quoted Pieth directly, stating, "I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup”.

"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

This development occurs against a backdrop of other complaints about the tournament, such as exorbitant ticket prices, with Category 1 seats for the final at MetLife Stadium reaching $8,680.

The call has garnered support from various international figures, including German soccer federation vice president Oke Göttlich, who urged consideration of a boycott in light of threats to core values, comparing it to historical Olympic boycotts.

South African opposition leader Julius Malema has demanded his country's withdrawal, drawing parallels to apartheid-era sanctions, while British lawmakers advocate for England and Scotland to pull out to protest US policies.

In the Netherlands, over 100,000 fans have signed a petition for a national team boycott.