Former FIFA chief Sepp Blatter backed calls to "stay away" from the USA for the 2026 World Cup over security concerns. Betting implication: weaker home crowds could blunt host advantage—punters might favour neutral lines, back underdogs early, or target TV/live markets instead of home-team outright bets.
Sepp Blatter criticises 2026 World Cup safety as controversy rumbles
Sepp Blatter, who led FIFA for 17 years and oversaw five World Cups, has publicly supported warnings about fan safety ahead of the 2026 tournament. The 89-year-old former president echoed a Swiss anti‑corruption lawyer's stark advice that fans should think twice before travelling to the United States for the finals.
Mark Pieth urges fans to "stay away" amid security concerns
Swiss lawyer Mark Pieth, who previously worked on FIFA reform, told Swiss media that recent domestic incidents and the handling of political opposition raise questions about fan safety. He pointed to recent fatal confrontations involving immigration and federal agents as part of the rationale behind his warning for supporters to avoid travel to the US.
Blatter amplifies the warning and targets FIFA leadership
Blatter reposted Pieth's message and used the platform to take a swipe at the current FIFA leadership. His intervention reignites debate about governance and the political optics surrounding the tournament as organisers prepare for the expanded World Cup.
Infantino, Trump and the political backdrop
Gianni Infantino, who succeeded Blatter and steered FIFA through the expansion to 48 teams, has been prominent in promotion of the North American event. His public relationships with political leaders have drawn scrutiny, and the tournament's staging across the US, Canada and Mexico comes with heightened geopolitical attention.
Practical tournament details and competitive impact
The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, kicking off with Mexico v South Africa at Estadio Azteca and concluding with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This is the first 48‑team World Cup, an expansion approved under Infantino that shifts qualification dynamics and tournament scheduling.
Who’s in and what’s left to decide
England and Scotland have already qualified and are placed in Groups L and C respectively. Wales, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland head into March play-offs to fight for remaining spots, leaving key European narratives unresolved ahead of the summer showpiece.
Implications for fans, hosts and betting markets
Security concerns and public warnings threaten to suppress stadium attendance, which could neutralise traditional home‑team advantages for host nations. For bettors, that may translate into tighter home odds, greater value on underdogs and more attractive live/TV markets. Punter strategy should account for potential last‑minute travel disruptions, attendance impacts and shifting atmospheres at venues.
What to watch
Monitor official travel advisories, ticketing updates and host‑city security briefings as the tournament approaches. Betting markets will react quickly to any sign of reduced crowd sizes or team morale issues tied to off‑field controversies, making timing and market selection crucial for informed wagers.
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Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has made a not-so-subtle dig at his successor and this summer's tournament in North America
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