Blatter Fires Up Call for 2026 World Cup Boycott

Context

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter lends his voice to Swiss lawyer Mark Beith s warning about the 2026 World Cup in the United States. Beith, a noted governance expert, has long questioned whether the host nations can handle crowd control and logistical complexities of a global event.

The endorsement came after Beith s remarks in the Swiss newspaper Der Bund, where he urged fans to reconsider international travel to the US during the tournament. Blatter echoed these concerns on his official social media account, signaling a rare public alignment with Beith s critical stance toward the event s organization.

Key points

Beith s perspective centers on safety, logistics, and the overall feasibility of running a flawless World Cup in a vast, multi-country setting. He has warned that failure to manage crowds could undermine the competition s integrity and fan experience.

Blatter, who led FIFA from 1998 to 2015 before resigning amid corruption investigations, reaffirmed his view that governance matters should not be glossed over when assessing a major global event. The World Cup 2026 will be staged jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, running from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Beith s involvement includes his past role with the Independent Governance Committee, which oversaw reforms within FIFA about a decade ago. He remains a respected critic of how big tournaments are managed and marketed.

The controversy keeps growing as the 2026 tournament approaches, reminding fans that the gaze often shifts from on-pitch action to governance, safety, and logistics in mega-events.

Organizers emphasize that the event will use multiple venues across three countries, with a calendar running through the height of summer. This arrangement, while ambitious, invites scrutiny from fans and critics alike about the readiness of hosts to deliver a smooth experience.

The back-and-forth also highlights ongoing debates about football governance and accountability in one of the world s most watched sports spectacles.

In summary, Blatter s stance aligns with Beith s warning, adding another layer to the complex dialogue surrounding the 2026 World Cup s preparation and potential challenges for fans and organizers alike.

As a reminder: the 2026 World Cup is set for the United States with matches also in Canada and Mexico, from June 11 to July 19, 2026.