Swiss former FIFA President Joseph Blatter expressed his support for fans not traveling to the United States during the 2026 World Cup (June 11 – July 19) for security reasons, in a message published Monday on platform X.
Blatter wrote: “For the fans, one piece of advice: avoid the United States! I believe Mark Pieth is right to question the organization of this edition of the World Cup,” recalling excerpts from an interview with an anti-corruption lawyer published by the Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger.
Pieth stated last Thursday regarding the United States: “What we are witnessing internally, from the marginalization of political opponents to abuses by immigration services, among other things, does not encourage fans to go there.”
Blatter Calls on Fans to Boycott the 2026 World Cup
The Swiss lawyer, a specialist in corruption cases who was tasked by Blatter between 2011 and 2014 with drafting reform proposals for FIFA, goes even further in clarifying his position.
He said: “In any case, you will watch the matches better on television. Upon arrival, fans should expect that if they do not behave well with the authorities, they will be sent directly back to their country. If they are lucky…,” as he put it.
Blatter (89 years old), who continuously criticizes current FIFA President Gianni Infantino, held the position until 2015 when a series of scandals forced him to resign.
After fraud accusations, Blatter and former UEFA President Frenchman Michel Platini were definitively acquitted by Swiss justice in 2025.
Platini had been accused of: “illegally obtaining, at FIFA’s expense, a sum of two million Swiss francs (about 2.58 million dollars) for the benefit of Michel Platini,” according to the Swiss prosecution.
With tensions rising over the United States’ desire to annex Greenland and its threats to impose additional tariffs on opposing European countries, voices in Europe have begun to speak of a potential boycott, or even cancellation, of the 2026 World Cup scheduled in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
However, the president of the French Football Federation confirmed in an interview on Sunday that “there is no intention on the part of the French Football Federation to boycott the World Cup.”
FIFA
FIFA, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, is the international governing body for association football, founded in Paris in 1904. Its primary role is to oversee major international tournaments, most notably the FIFA World Cup, which it first organized in 1930.
Muttenz
Muttenz is a municipality in northwestern Switzerland, located near Basel, with a history dating back to Roman settlement. It is known for landmarks like the 16th-century St. Arbogast Church and the historic Wildenstein Castle, which overlooks the town. The area has evolved from its agricultural roots into a residential and industrial community while retaining its historical character.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain, with its modern government established by the Constitution in 1789. Its history encompasses westward expansion, a civil war over slavery, and its emergence as a global superpower in the 20th century. The nation is defined by its diverse population, democratic ideals, and significant cultural and economic influence worldwide.
2026 World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first tournament to feature 48 teams and will be jointly hosted by 16 cities across three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This marks the first time the World Cup will be shared by three nations, with Mexico becoming the first country to host the men’s tournament three times.
Swiss
Switzerland is a landlocked country in Central Europe known for its long history of neutrality, which was formally established in 1815. It is renowned for its cultural diversity, with four official languages, and iconic sites such as the medieval Château de Chillon and the modern Swiss National Museum in Zurich.
Tages-Anzeiger
The Tages-Anzeiger is a major Swiss German-language daily newspaper, founded in Zurich in 1893. It established itself as an independent, liberal publication and has grown into one of Switzerland’s most widely read newspapers, known for its comprehensive coverage of national and international news.
Switzerland
Switzerland is a landlocked country in Central Europe known for its long history of neutrality, which was formally established by the Congress of Vienna in 1815. It is a federal republic composed of 26 cantons and is globally recognized for its political stability, direct democracy, and its role as host to numerous international organizations.
UEFA
UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) is the administrative and governing body for association football in Europe, founded in 1954 in Basel, Switzerland. It organizes prestigious continental club and national team competitions, most notably the UEFA Champions League and the European Championship.
France
France is a Western European nation with a rich history dating back to ancient Gaul, later evolving into a powerful monarchy and a center of the Enlightenment. It is globally renowned for its cultural influence in art, cuisine, and philosophy, and was the birthplace of the revolutionary republic in 1789. Today, it is a leading democratic republic and a founding member of the European Union.
Michel Platini
Michel Platini is a retired French football player and former administrator, widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. He served as President of UEFA from 2007 to 2015, but his tenure ended with a ban from football-related activities due to ethics violations.
Greenland
Greenland is the world’s largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, with a long history of Inuit habitation. It was later settled by Norse Vikings in the 10th century before becoming a Danish colony in the 18th century. Today, it is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Europe
Europe is a continent with a rich and complex history, shaped by ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome, the transformative periods of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, and the profound impacts of two world wars. Culturally, it is renowned for its diverse array of historic cities, artistic movements, and architectural landmarks, from medieval castles to modern institutions. Today, it is largely united under the political and economic framework of the European Union.
Mexico
Mexico is a country with a rich pre-Columbian history, including advanced civilizations like the Maya and Aztec, which was later colonized by Spain in the 16th century. It gained independence in 1821 and is now known for its vibrant cultural heritage, which blends indigenous and Spanish influences, and for landmarks such as ancient pyramids, colonial cities, and unique ecosystems.
Canada
Canada is a North American country formed in 1867 through Confederation, evolving from Indigenous habitation and later French and British colonization. It is known for its vast natural landscapes, bilingual English and French heritage, and a multicultural society shaped by significant immigration.
French Football Federation
The French Football Federation (FFF) is the governing body for football in France, founded in 1919. It organizes the country’s national teams and domestic competitions, most notably overseeing the men’s national team’s victories in the 1998 and 2018 FIFA World Cups.
