Sepp Blatter is critical of the World Cup in the USA.Image: keystone
Former FIFA President Joseph Blatter from Valais advises football fans to avoid the USA in the summer. The political situation could have unexpected consequences for travelers.
01/27/2026, 05:0401/27/2026, 08:06
Blatter has advised football fans against traveling to the USA for the World Cup. “There is only one piece of advice for the fans: stay away from the USA,” the 89-year-old wrote on X. He expressed security concerns and referred to the political situation, which could be problematic for visitors. Anti-corruption expert Mark Pieth also shares this assessment and warns of possible difficulties when entering the country.
Pieth, who was chairman of a committee for association governance at FIFA from 2011 to 2013, explained in an interview with the “Tagesanzeiger” that fans who enter the USA could possibly be sent back directly or deported to Central America. He advised people to watch the games on television instead.
Pieth compared the security situation in the USA with that in Mexico:
«The US is in a similar situation to Mexico in terms of security. In Mexico it is the drug gangs that threaten to attack, in the USA it is a state that is becoming authoritarian.”
The German government also called on travelers to be careful on Monday after a person was shot dead during a Border Patrol operation in Minneapolis.
The Swiss foreign ministry does not expressly warn against visiting the World Cup and continues to classify the USA as “basically safe”. However, the FDFA also points out “possible local protests and violent clashes following police operations that are perceived as disproportionate.” The Department of Foreign Affairs also reports on the widespread possession of weapons and possible terrorist risks in his current assessment thematised.
Blatter, who resigned as FIFA boss in 2015 after several scandals, has criticized his successor Gianni Infantino several times in recent years. The World Cup will take place from June 11th to July 19th in the USA, which is co-hosting the tournament with Mexico. (t-online/con/sid)