FIFA Ex-President Backs US World Cup Boycott

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Calls Mount for 2026 World Cup Boycott Amid US Immigration Concerns

A growing chorus of international figures is questioning the viability of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, citing concerns over escalating immigration policies and potential safety risks for fans.

Former president of the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA), Joseph Blatter, publicly supported the idea of a boycott against the tournament in the United States.this sentiment was initially expressed in an interview with the Swiss newspaper ‘Der Bund’ on January 23, where he warned, “Stay away from the United states! Anyway, you will see it better on television. And upon arrival, fans should know that if they do not please the authorities, they will be put directly on the next flight home. If they are lucky.”

Days later, Blatter reinforced his position on social media, stating, “I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup.” He shared this message on January 26, 2026, across his social media platforms.

[“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]

Did you know? – The 2026 World Cup will be the first jointly hosted tournament spanning three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It will also be the first to feature 48 teams, expanding from the previous 32-team format.

Rising Concerns Over US Immigration Policy

Blatter’s call for a boycott is not isolated. Oke Göttlich, a vice president of the German football federation, echoed similar concerns on January 23, suggesting a serious consideration of boycotting the tournament. Göttlich drew parallels to the 1980 Olympic Games boycott, referencing the US-led sabotage of the event in the Soviet Union following the invasion of Afghanistan. “What where the justifications for the boycott of the Olympic Games in the 1980s?” Göttlich asked, adding, “From my personal perspective, the potential threat is greater now than then. We need to have this debate.”

The movement to potentially disrupt the World Cup is gaining momentum as increasingly aggressive immigration enforcement actions are carried out in the United States. These actions, ordered by Donald Trump, have been accompanied by a crackdown on protests against the immigration policies.

Pro tip – Fans planning to travel to the US for the World Cup should closely monitor travel advisories issued by their home countries and familiarize themselves with US immigration laws.

Reports of Violence Fuel Boycott debate

The situation is further intricate by reports of violence linked to anti-immigrant forces. Disturbingly, several citizens, including two Americans, have been fatally shot by members of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

A legal expert,speaking on the matter,argued that the internal climate within the US is deeply concerning. “What we are seeing internally – the marginalization of political opponents, the abuses of immigration services, etc. – hardly encourages fans to go there,” the lawyer stated, justifying the proposal to block the World Cup.

Reader question – What impact would a significant boycott of the 2026 World Cup have on the US economy and the future of international sporting events hosted in the country? Share your thoughts!

Broader International Concerns

Beyond domestic immigration policy,other actions by the Trump administration are contributing to international unease. His