Sepp Blatter, the former president of FIFA, has expressed his criticism of the 2026 World Cup, urging fans not to travel to the USA, where a significant portion of the matches will take place.
He supported the opinion of Swiss lawyer Mark Pieth, who described the trip to the USA as "risky." "I advise fans to stay away from the USA. I agree with Mark Pieth, who doubts the safety of this World Cup," Blatter wrote on his social media.
Among the main reasons for his call are the strict immigration policies of the United States and security concerns. In an interview with Swiss media, Pieth noted that in the context of political instability and aggressive behavior from immigration authorities, foreign fans could face deportation at the slightest suspicion.
"You can watch all the matches on television, but if you attempt to enter, you risk being sent home on the first flight," he added.
These words come against the backdrop of recent tragic events in the USA, such as the death of activist Rene Good and nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis due to the actions of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These incidents have sparked protests and heated discussions in Europe about the appropriateness of participating in the tournament. The vice president of the German Football Association, Oke Göttlich, even expressed the opinion of a possible boycott of the championship by European teams.
We remind you that the 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, with the United States hosting all key matches of the tournament, starting from the quarter-finals.
