In a surprising turn of events, former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has voiced his support for a potential fan boycott of the 2026 World Cup, citing security concerns in the United States. The tournament, set to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, is now facing unexpected scrutiny regarding the safety and well-being of international visitors.
Blatter's statement, made on Monday via social media, aligns with concerns raised by Swiss anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth, who previously worked with FIFA on reform initiatives during Blatter's tenure. Pieth has advised fans to "avoid the United States" due to what he describes as the "marginalisation of political opponents" and "abuses by immigration services". He argues that these domestic issues "hardly encourage fans to go there". Pieth also stated that fans should anticipate being promptly deported if they "don't behave properly with the authorities" upon arrival.
Pieth cited the killing of protester Renee Good by an American immigration agent in Minneapolis earlier in January as a factor in his recommendation, with Blatter's endorsement following the death of a second US citizen, Alex Pretti, last weekend. Blatter's support for Pieth's position has amplified the concerns, leading to widespread discussion among football fans and officials. Blatter stated on social media that "I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup".
The former FIFA president's statement adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Concerns had already been circulating, with some nations reportedly considering non-attendance due to geopolitical issues and safety fears. England's official LGBT+ fan group, Three Lions Pride (3LP), has already declared its intention to boycott the event, citing safety concerns for its members, particularly trans individuals, who they believe would be at high risk of violence and discrimination. Queer Football Fanclubs (QFF), a network of LGBTQ fan groups primarily based in Germany, is also advising its members against traveling to the US. QFF cited "serious concerns regarding the safety not only of LGBTQ individuals traveling to the USA, but of all travelers to the 2026 World Cup".
Adding to the unease, the Danish Football Fan Federation (DFF) has suggested that "not many" Danish fans will attend matches in the United States, pointing to geopolitical tensions surrounding US President Donald Trump and Greenland.
In response to security concerns, the US government has allocated significant resources to ensure a safe and secure World Cup. Over $1 billion has been committed, with $625 million coming from the FIFA World Cup Grant Program, to bolster law enforcement, cybersecurity, and emergency response capabilities. Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House Task Force on the World Cup, has called it "one of the largest commitments of safety resources ever made for a single event". Measures being implemented include the deployment of metal barriers in various cities to protect pedestrians.
Despite these efforts, the perception of increasing authoritarianism and the marginalization of political opponents within the U.S., coupled with incidents involving immigration services, continue to fuel apprehension among potential visitors.
The U.S. Department of State affirms its commitment to the safety and security of all participants and attendees of the FIFA World Cup 2026, emphasizing that the highest standards of national security and public safety will be upheld through the visa process.
The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear how Blatter's endorsement of a potential boycott will impact fan attendance and the overall atmosphere of the 2026 World Cup.
