"Sepp Blatter was President of FIFA from 1998 to 2015 (Image credit: Getty Images) Sepp Blatter oversaw five World Cups during his 17-year tenure as FIFA President. The Swiss executive was elected in 1998 and held the role until 2015, when he stepped down following a string of scandals. Blatter also oversaw the controversial votes to award the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectively, so this summer's tournament in North America will be the first that he has not been directly involved in since he left FIFA."
"But the 2026 tournament has not escaped its own controversies, with Swiss anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth - who worked with FIFA on reforming world football's governing body when Blatter was President - recently suggesting that fans should not travel to the US because of security concerns. "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. #MarkPieth #GianniInfantino #DonaldTrump #FIFAWorldCup2026 #USAJanuary 26, 2026 Protester Renee Good was killed by an American immigration agent in Minneapolis earlier this month, before another US citizen, named Alex Pretti, was killed by federal agents last weekend. Pieth cited the killing of Good in an interview with Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger last week, adding: What we are seeing domestically the marginalisation of political opponents, abuses by immigration services, etc hardly encourages fans to go there. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. For fans, just one piece of advice: avoid the United States! You'll get a better view on television"
Sepp Blatter served as FIFA President from 1998 until 2015 and oversaw five World Cups. He stepped down amid scandals and presided over contentious awards of the 2018 and 2022 tournaments to Russia and Qatar. Gianni Infantino succeeded Blatter and has been prominent during preparations for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, often pictured with US President Donald Trump. The 2026 tournament has drawn criticism and security concerns from Swiss anti-corruption lawyer Mark Pieth, who advised fans to avoid traveling to the United States, citing recent killings by immigration and federal agents and alleged marginalisation of political opponents.
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