Blatter's Bold Stance: 'Avoid USA for World Cup'

Mpho Dube
Jan 28
1 min read

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter is urging fans to boycott the 2026 World Cup in the United States, citing security concerns and human rights issues.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian

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Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter is urging fans to boycott the 2026 World Cup in the United States, citing security concerns and human rights issues.

Blatter's call comes after the killing of protester Renee Good by an American immigration agent in Minneapolis and the death of another US citizen, Alex Pretti.

Blatter supports anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth's statement, "What we are seeing domestically - the marginalisation of political opponents, abuses by immigration services, etc. - hardly encourages fans to go there".

Pieth advises fans to "avoid the United States! You'll get a better view on television anyway".

The World Cup is set to kick off on June 11, 2026, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Blatter's comments add to the growing debate about the US's suitability as a host country, with some fans and officials questioning the safety and fairness of the tournament.