Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has suggested he supports calls for football fans to avoid travelling to the United States for this year’s World Cup, citing growing security concerns.

Blatter publicly backed comments made by Swiss anti‑corruption lawyer Mark Pieth — who previously worked with FIFA on reform efforts — that fans should think twice about attending matches in the U.S. during the June‑July tournament.

“I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup,” Blatter wrote on social media.

Pieth pointed to recent incidents in the United States involving federal immigration agents, including the January death of Minneapolis resident Renée Good, who was shot by an immigration officer, as one reason why supporters might reconsider travel plans.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

“What we are seeing domestically — the marginalisation of political opponents, abuses by immigration services, etc. — hardly encourages fans to go there,” Pieth said in an interview with Swiss daily Tages‑Anzeiger last week. “For fans, just one piece of advice: avoid the United States! You’ll get a better view on television anyway.”

Blatter, who stepped down as FIFA president in 2015 amid a series of scandals and was succeeded by Gianni Infantino, has remained vocal on football governance matters.

The broader context of Pieth’s comments reflects heightened public scrutiny in the U.S. following at least two recent fatal shootings involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis — including the deaths of Renée Good and another U.S. citizen, Alex Pretti — incidents that have fuelled nationwide protests and debate over law enforcement practices.