Call for World Cup boycott by former FIFA chief

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has joined the chorus of voices urging a boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Following similar calls from Germany and the Netherlands, the 23rd edition of football’s “greatest show on Earth” has now come under intense scrutiny, with Blatter raising questions about whether the United States is a suitable host.

Blatter cited the recent deterioration in relations between the United States under President Donald Trump and Europe as a primary reason for his stance. Speaking via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Blatter endorsed comments made by Swiss legal expert and anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth in a recent interview with Swiss newspaper Der Bund.

Pieth, who chaired FIFA’s independent governance committee overseeing reform efforts a decade ago, warned supporters against attending the tournament in person. “Considering all we have discussed, my advice to fans is simple—watch the matches on television rather than travelling to the United States. Those who do go must accept that, should authorities disapprove, they could be sent home on the next flight—if they are lucky,” Pieth said.

Blatter echoed Pieth’s caution on X, stating: “I believe Mark Pieth is entirely correct in raising these concerns about this World Cup.”

Concerns from the international football community about the United States centre on multiple issues: Trump’s expansionist stance on Greenland, restrictive travel bans, and stringent law enforcement measures to suppress protests, particularly in cities such as Minneapolis. These developments have prompted calls for a serious reconsideration of attendance. Oke Götzlish, Vice President of the German Football Association, told Morgenpost last Friday, “It is now time to consider the boycott issue with full seriousness.”

Earlier, boycott calls came from German politician and media personality Piers Morgan, and Dutch television producer Toon van de Keuken, who urged the Dutch national team to withdraw.

The Trump administration’s travel restrictions have already disrupted fans from Africa’s top football nations. Supporters from Senegal and Ivory Coast were effectively barred from entering the United States unless they held pre-approved visas, with the administration citing deficiencies in screening and vetting processes. Additionally, fans from Iran and Haiti, both of which qualified for the World Cup, are also unable to enter under the first phase of travel bans.

Summary of Boycott Calls for 2026 World Cup:

The 2026 World Cup, marketed as a landmark event in North America, is now facing unprecedented controversy, with concerns over politics, safety, and travel restrictions casting a shadow over the excitement traditionally surrounding the tournament.