MWE Correspondent
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has stirred global debate after publicly advising football supporters to avoid traveling to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, citing growing political tension and security concerns within the country.
Blatter made the remarks on social media, urging fans to reconsider attending matches hosted in the US, which will co-host the historic tournament alongside Canada and Mexico. His comments followed similar warnings from Swiss legal expert and former FIFA oversight official Mark Pieth, who has questioned whether the United States is currently safe for large-scale international sporting tourism.
The tournament, officially known as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will be the biggest in football history, with expanded teams and matches spread across North America. While organizers have promoted the event as a celebration of global unity and sporting excellence, critics now fear political realities may overshadow the spectacle.
Pieth previously described the United States as a country experiencing deep internal unrest, pointing to political polarization, aggressive immigration enforcement and rising social tensions. He argued that while Mexico faces challenges linked to organized crime, the climate in the US has become increasingly hostile for foreign visitors.
Blatter echoed those concerns, saying football fans should not be placed in situations where safety feels uncertain. He added that international tournaments should foster openness and cultural exchange, not anxiety over political crackdowns.
Much of the concern centers around policies introduced under President Donald Trump, whose administration has intensified immigration raids and adopted hardline measures that critics say have made the country less welcoming to foreign nationals. Reports of detentions involving travelers with valid documentation have fueled fears that international visitors could face similar risks during the World Cup.
Human rights groups have warned that large crowds and heightened security could lead to aggressive enforcement actions around stadiums, transportation hubs and fan zones. Without clear guarantees protecting visitors, uncertainty continues to grow.
Also Read; South Africa Plans Temporary Exit From G20 During Presidency
Financial barriers are also adding pressure. Rising ticket prices, accommodation costs and long-distance travel are expected to limit access for many supporters, particularly from developing regions. Traditionally, European fans make up a large share of World Cup attendance, but analysts say concerns over safety may reduce turnout even further.
Sports analysts note that major global tournaments are increasingly shaped by political climates rather than just sporting preparation. From human rights debates to diplomatic tensions, football’s biggest events now reflect broader global struggles.
The issue has renewed discussions about whether FIFA should consider political stability and civil liberties more seriously when awarding hosting rights. Critics argue that safety must extend beyond stadium security to include legal protections and respectful treatment of all visitors.
Meanwhile, FIFA officials have continued to express confidence in the tournament’s planning and infrastructure, insisting that host nations are fully capable of delivering a secure and successful competition. However, they have yet to address specific concerns regarding immigration enforcement during the event.
For many football lovers, the World Cup represents more than matches — it is a cultural festival where fans from every corner of the world gather freely. The growing fear that travel could come with political risk threatens to undermine that spirit.
As preparations move forward, pressure is mounting on tournament organizers and host governments to reassure the global football community that the 2026 World Cup will be safe, welcoming and truly international.
With political uncertainty rising and influential voices urging caution, the world’s biggest sporting event now faces a challenge far beyond the pitch — restoring confidence that football can still unite people in an increasingly divided world.
