Blatter Urges Fans to Avoid US for 2026 World Cup Over Security

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter urged soccer fans worldwide on Monday to avoid traveling to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, citing security concerns linked to recent incidents involving immigration authorities. Blatter echoed warnings from Swiss anticorruption lawyer Mark Pieth, who advised supporters to stay home and watch the tournament on television instead. The event, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, will feature 78 matches across 11 U.S. cities, along with venues in the other two countries.

Pieth's comments, published last week in the Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger, highlighted domestic issues including the marginalization of political opponents and alleged abuses by immigration services. "What we are seeing domestically... hardly encourages fans to go there," Pieth said. He added a stark warning for visitors: "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."

Blatter, who led FIFA from 1998 to 2015, shared Pieth's...