Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has expressed support for Swiss anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth, who has urged fans to avoid attending the World Cup in the United States (US).
The warning comes amid criticism of President Donald Trump’s domestic and international policies, which Pieth and Blatter argue make the US a challenging environment for visitors.
In an X post on Monday, Blatter supported Pieth, urging football fans to boycott the 2026 FIFA World cup which will be hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
“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,” said Blatter on X.
Blatter led FIFA from 1998 to 2015, resigned amid an investigation into corruption claims, and was succeeded by Gianni Infantino, who is also a close ally of President Trump.
Pieth Cautions Fans of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S
Speaking to a Swiss daily, Pieth criticized the United States of the latest actions and Trump’s immigration policies.
Also Read: Pape Thiaw: Decorated Career of Senegal’s Controversial Coach Who Played in World Cup Quarterfinals
Earlier in January, Renee Good, a protester, was killed by an American Immigration agent in Minneapolis.
“What we are seeing domestically the marginalization of political opponents, abuses by immigration services, etc. hardly encourages fans to go there,” added Pieth.
He also suggested that fans should watch the matches since they will be deported back to their countries once they arrive in the US.
“For fans, just one piece of advice: avoid the United States! You’ll get a better view on television anyway. Upon arrival, fans should expect that if they don’t behave properly with the authorities, they will be immediately sent home. If they’re lucky,” said Pieth
Also Read: List of Countries That Have Qualified for World Cup 2026
Trump’s Immigration Polices
Earlier, Trump imposed a travel ban on Senegal and the Ivory Coast, which are Africa’s top soccer nations. The bans will prevent fans from the two coubtries in attending matches, unless they already hold valid US visas.
Trump’s administration cited ‘screening and vetting deficiencies’ as the reason for the restrictions.
Also, fans from Iran and Haiti, both countries that have qualified for the World Cup, will also be barred from entering the United States, as they were included in the initial version of the travel ban announced by the Trump administration.
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