• Sepp Blatter urges fans to boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US.
• The call stems from political concerns over Donald Trump's policies and actions.
• Mark Pieth, an anti-corruption lawyer, supports the boycott, citing safety concerns for fans.
• Global football figures express similar sentiments, with calls for boycotts from various nations.

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has become a prominent voice advocating for a boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. His support aligns with the views of Swiss lawyer Mark Pieth, who reasoned that “for fans, there's only one piece of advice: stay away from the USA!” This recommendation stems from concerns regarding the conduct of President Donald Trump and recent political tensions, including incidents of violence such as a recent shooting in Minneapolis, which raised safety concerns for visiting fans, according to Indiatimes, Africanews, Aljazeera, and NPR.

Blatter's comments signal a broader concern within the international soccer community about the suitability of the US as a World Cup host. He pointed out that aside from Trump's domestic policies, numerous travel bans have complicated arrangements for fans from many countries, including Senegal and Ivory Coast, as they would be barred unless holding prior visas to enter the US. Pieth continued, stating that it is likely fans could encounter severe inconveniences, including the risk of being sent home if they do not please officials upon arrival, as reported by Africanews, Aljazeera, and NPR.

The discussions around a potential boycott have gained traction among football executives and politicians globally. Oke Göttlich, vice president of the German soccer federation, articulated concerns about Trump’s governmental actions and urged a serious consideration of the boycott during a recent interview, reinforcing the call to protect the integrity of the sport amidst political strife. He emphasized the importance of taking a stance amidst severe geopolitical tensions. This alarm has also echoed in political circles, where calls for boycotts have come from various corners, including strong opinions from British lawmakers and South African political leaders like Julius Malema, who have drawn parallels between current US policies and historical injustices, according to Indiatimes, Africanews, Aljazeera, and NPR.