‘Stay away from USA’: Former FIFA chief Sepp Blatter fuels World Cup 2026 boycott debate

As tensions simmer between Washington and several European capitals, the Minneapolis shooting raises questions among the public about whether nations should sit out a World Cup hosted by the United States.

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has become the latest member to be rising his voice for boycott. Blatter publicly endorsed remarks by Swiss anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth, who argued that supporters should think twice about travelling to the US for the tournament.

The tournament was set to be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11-July 19, 2026.

"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," Blatter said.

Pieth cited the killing of protester Renee Good by an American immigration agent in Minneapolis earlier this month as one reason for supporters not to travel to the US. Blatter endorsed Pieth’s comments after a second US citizen, Alex Pretti, died last weekend.

Calls grow for boycott among netizens

Several netizens spoke out loud on internet, calling to boycott the FIFA world cup in the USA. One of the users on X said, "Cancel the Olympics. Cancel the World Cup. Cancel America. We are not fit to host the world."

Empire Magazine editor in chief Nick de Semlyen said, "Every country should boycott the World Cup."

Another user said, "The World Cup is about unity. Trump represents the opposite. Nations should send a loud, clear message: BOYCOTT THE WORLD CUP."

A user said, "Buckle up America. The world is going to boycott you now. And it’s your fault."