Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter Backs Calls to Boycott 2026 World Cup Matches in the United States
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has publicly thrown his support behind a proposed boycott of FIFA World Cup matches in the United States, intensifying debate over the 2026 tournament’s hosting environment and international politics.
Blatter, who led world football’s governing body from 1998 to 2015 endorsed calls for fans to avoid traveling to the U.S. for World Cup games in a post on social media platform X. His statement echoed the recent comments of Swiss legal expert Mark Pieth, who has urged supporters to stay away due to concerns over the conduct of the Trump administration at home and abroad.
Why the Calls for a Boycott?
The controversy stems largely from policy decisions by the Trump administration that critics say have made the U.S. a less welcoming host for international fans. Recent travel restrictions targeting countries including Senegal, Ivory Coast, Iran, and Haiti have thrown the travel plans of supporters from qualified nations into disarray, unless they already hold visas a move cited by Pieth and Blatter as part of their reasoning.
Critics point to broader concerns over immigration enforcement, border policies, and political rhetoric as key factors influencing their stance, arguing that these issues could impact the safety and experience of visiting fans.
Blatter’s Position and International Reaction
Blatter’s support of a fan boycott marks one of the most visible endorsements of the idea from a major figure in global football. In his post, he quoted Pieth’s warning that fans would be better off watching the games on television than traveling to the U.S., where they might face difficulties or discrimination.
The debate has also drawn voices from outside Blatter’s circle, including German soccer officials who have suggested that boycotting the tournament is worthy of serious discussion due to geopolitical disagreements with the U.S. administration.
World Cup 2026: Co-Hosted by USA, Canada, Mexico
Despite the boycott talk, preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continue. The tournament, scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026 will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches set across multiple cities in all three countries.
FIFA and national football associations have not signaled any plans to alter the hosting arrangement, and organizers have emphasized their commitment to delivering a successful event. However, with weeks to go before kickoff, the boycott discussion highlights how global sporting events can intersect with political controversies and human rights concerns.
Source: AP News
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