Sepp Blatter Suggests Fans Should Not Travel to US for World Cup



Sepp Blatter, the controversial former president of FIFA, has advised football fans to reconsider traveling to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, citing concerns over safety, infrastructure, and ticketing logistics. Blatter’s comments, made during a recent media interview, have reignited debate over whether hosting the tournament in multiple countries — the US, Canada, and Mexico — is feasible for fans and whether organizers are fully prepared for what promises to be the largest World Cup in history.

Blatter, who led FIFA from 1998 until 2015, has frequently voiced opinions on tournament organization and governance, often attracting both support and criticism. While some view his warning as a cautionary note from an experienced football administrator, others see it as alarmist commentary that could unnecessarily discourage fans from attending what is expected to be a historic tournament.

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Concerns About Safety and Logistics

Blatter’s primary concerns center around fan safety and logistical challenges. He pointed to the scale of the United States’ stadiums, the distances between host cities, and the ongoing questions surrounding fan accommodations as reasons for caution.

> “Traveling in the US can be complicated for fans, with long distances between matches, transport issues, and security concerns,” Blatter said.

The 2026 World Cup is set to be hosted across 16 cities in the United States, alongside three in Canada and three in Mexico. While this model promises to bring the World Cup to more fans than ever before, it also introduces significant logistical challenges, particularly for international supporters. Coordinating travel, lodging, and tickets across multiple countries is a far more complex undertaking than the traditional single-country World Cup format.

Additionally, Blatter referenced the heightened security measures that are expected to accompany the tournament. While major events in the US are generally well-protected, the combination of multiple host cities, large stadium capacities, and high-profile matches could complicate crowd management and fan safety.

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Fan Experience and Ticketing Challenges

Another factor Blatter highlighted is the potential strain on the fan experience. With stadium capacities in the US reaching up to 80,000, ticketing allocation could become competitive, and fans might struggle to attend multiple matches.

“Fans should be realistic,” Blatter said. “It is not easy to move from city to city in the US, and tickets are limited. Travel and logistics must be carefully planned.”

His remarks also touched on potential travel costs, which could be prohibitive for many supporters. Airfare, accommodation, and internal transportation in the US are significantly more expensive than in previous tournaments held in more compact nations.

Despite these challenges, organizers have emphasized that fan accessibility is a priority, with dedicated transportation plans, fan zones, and accommodation partnerships in place to help international visitors navigate the tournament. FIFA has also launched a ticketing system designed to streamline access for fans worldwide.

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Historical Context: US as a World Cup Host

The United States last hosted the World Cup in 1994, which was considered a commercial and organizational success, setting attendance records that still stand today. However, that tournament was single-country and predominantly concentrated in the continental US, with fewer logistical hurdles for traveling fans.

The 2026 World Cup’s multi-country format introduces new complexities. While the joint hosting arrangement allows more regions to participate and potentially generates larger revenues, it also increases travel distances, making Blatter’s concerns about fan convenience and safety more salient.

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Reactions from Fans and Analysts

Blatter’s comments have elicited a mixed response from fans and football analysts. Some fans see his warnings as practical advice, suggesting that those with limited time or resources may indeed struggle to attend multiple matches across the continent.

Others, however, see the remarks as overly cautious or politically motivated, noting that US cities are well-equipped to host large-scale sporting events. Supporters argue that the United States’ experience with the Super Bowl, NFL playoffs, and NCAA tournaments demonstrates a capacity to safely and efficiently manage massive crowds.

Analysts also note that Blatter’s relationship with FIFA remains contentious. Since leaving the organization amid corruption scandals, his statements often attract scrutiny for underlying motives, though his experience in organizing tournaments is undeniable.

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Implications for the 2026 World Cup

Blatter’s warning could have several implications:

1. Fan Planning: International supporters may reassess travel arrangements, focusing on fewer matches or prioritizing nearby cities.

2. Organizational Pressure: FIFA and local organizing committees may face increased scrutiny to demonstrate safety measures and transport logistics.

3. Media Attention: Comments from a high-profile figure like Blatter increase global awareness of potential challenges, influencing how the World Cup is marketed to international audiences.

While the majority of experts agree that fans can safely attend matches, the need for careful planning and preparation has been highlighted, particularly for families, older supporters, and those unfamiliar with US travel infrastructure.

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FIFA and US Organizers Respond

FIFA has downplayed concerns, emphasizing that extensive planning is underway. Organizers have assured that fan services, transportation, security, and ticketing are being coordinated across host cities.

> “We are confident in our ability to provide a safe, accessible, and enjoyable experience for fans from around the world,” a FIFA spokesperson said.

Local authorities in host cities have echoed this confidence, highlighting experience in managing major sports events, robust law enforcement coordination, and extensive fan engagement programs designed to ensure safety and convenience.

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Conclusion: Caution, Not Cancellation

Sepp Blatter’s suggestion that fans avoid traveling to the US for the 2026 World Cup should be understood as a cautionary note rather than a dire warning. While his concerns about logistics, ticketing, and safety are grounded in experience, organizers and host cities are actively addressing these challenges.

For fans planning to attend, advanced preparation, flexible travel plans, and careful ticket management will be essential. Meanwhile, the tournament promises to showcase football at its highest level across North America, offering millions of supporters the chance to witness a historic expansion of the World Cup experience.

Blatter’s comments serve as a reminder that while the spectacle of the World Cup is global, practicalities matter—and careful planning can turn potential obstacles into a seamless fan experience.