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Blatter Urges Fans to Skip U.S. World Cup as France Rejects Boycott

France says it will not boycott for now as European officials continue to weigh their response to U.S. policies tied to the 2026 tournament.

Overview

  • Sepp Blatter called on supporters to avoid traveling to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, citing security and political concerns and echoing remarks by Swiss lawyer Mark Pieth.
  • FFF president Philippe Diallo reaffirmed that France has no intention of boycotting and stressed keeping sport separate from politics, a stance also reflected by Sports Minister Marina Ferrari.
  • German DFB vice-president Oke Göttlich said the time has come to seriously discuss a potential boycott, helping keep the issue active across Europe.
  • Reporting describes FIFA introducing a “FIFA PASS” to prioritize consular appointments for ticket holders entering the U.S., a measure criticized by some as creating a two-tier experience.
  • Debate has been fueled by tensions linked to U.S. policy moves, including disputes involving Greenland and tariff threats, yet no national federation has announced a formal boycott.