Sepp Blatter says anti-corruption expert Mark Bieth “right to question” the competition
Former Fifa president Sepp Blatter has thrown his weight behind calls for fans to “stay away” from the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico due to the actions of Donald Trump’s government.
Blatter was president of Fifa from 1998 to 2015, when he was replaced by Gianni Infantino, now a close ally of Trump. Trump’s government has been criticised for various policies considered hostile, including its aggression towards nationals of other countries.
In an interview with Swiss outlet Der Bund, lawyer and anti-corruption expert Mark Pieth called for fans to boycott the World Cup in North America.
“If we consider everything we’ve discussed, there’s only one piece of advice for fans: Stay away from the USA!” Pieth said. “You’ll see it better on TV anyway. And upon arrival, fans should expect that if they don’t please the officials, they’ll be put straight on the next flight home. If they’re lucky.”
Blatter quoted the post on X and responded: “I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup.”
“For the fans, there’s only one piece of advice: stay away from the USA!” I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup. #MarkPieth #GianniInfantino #DonaldTrump #FIFAWorldCup2026 #USA
— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) January 26, 2026
Earlier this month, the Trump’s US administration announced travel bans expected to affect fans from countries such as Senegal and Ivory Coast who wish to travel to the US to support their teams in the summer tournament.
That development followed earlier bans placed on supporters from Haiti and Iran, the latter having also threatened to boycott the competition.
