The former FIFA president, Joseph Blatter, has added his voice to the criticism of the US World Cup. In a post on X, he backed the statements of Mark Pieth, who recommended that fans stay away from the co-hosted tournament with Canada and Mexico, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Criticism over Donald Trump‘s policies
Concerns arise from Trump’s administration measures, such as travel bans affecting nations classified as Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Iran, and Haiti. These restrictions, justified by supposed deficiencies in migration control, prevent fans from following their teams. Blatter quoted Pieth, an anti-corruption expert who supervised reforms in FIFA a decade ago: “Stay away from the US. You’ll see it better on TV”.
Background of controversy in the US World Cup
Other voices in international football
Oke Göttlich, vice-president of the German Football Federation, also urged considering a serious boycott in an interview with Hamburger Morgenpost. Tensions include tactics against migrants in cities like Minneapolis and expansionist stances on Greenland. Blatter, who led FIFA from 1998 to 2015 until his resignation over corruption scandals, openly questioned the suitability of the US as a host.
- Restrictions affect four classified countries, altering massive travel plans.
- Pieth warns of immediate deportation risks for fans.
- Blatter: “Mark Pieth is right to question this US World Cup“.
Historical context of FIFA and contentious host cities
The US World Cup revives debates over contentious host cities, similar to Qatar 2022 over human rights. Blatter, a key figure in the 2018 selection of the US, Mexico, and Canada, now criticizes policies that complicate global attendance. Experts estimate that millions of fans could be impacted, according to previous reports on denied visas.
This call for a boycott gains traction in a tournament expected to be the first expanded to 48 teams. FIFA has not officially responded, but the US World Cup faces growing scrutiny over equity in access. The US World Cup could lose its inclusive spirit if the barriers persist.
