Former FIFA chief Sepp Blatter launches scathing attack on football’s governing body after 2026 World Cup fifa world cupclaimed the tournament had “lost credibility” and urged fans, players and national associations to reclaim the sport’s political influence.Blatter’s tough message came just two days after Spain defeated defending champion Argentina 1-0 in overtime to win its second World Cup, capping the first ever 48-team World Cup. While acknowledging Spain’s deserved title, the 90-year-old Swiss did not hesitate to comment on the tournament’s wider legacy.Blatter wrote in an interview with “X”: “The longest World Cup is over – with the right champion. But towards the final whistle the game lost credibility. “Politics must not be allowed to cloud the game.”He concluded with a stronger appeal to football stakeholders.He added: “It is now up to fans, players and the national football federation to reclaim football and take it back to its roots under new leadership.”The post also tagged FIFA, the World Cup, the controversial FIFA half-time show, Donald Trump and current FIFA president Gianni Infantino, highlighting who Blatter believes should be at the center of the debate.
Politics and controversy dominate tournament discussion
Blatter has been one of the most outspoken critics of FIFA’s direction under Infantino, and his latest comments reflect growing scrutiny of the intersection of football and politics during the expansion of the competition.The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is the largest in World Cup history, with 48 teams playing 104 games in 16 venues over a month.While the football itself was widely praised, some off-field controversies dominated the headlines throughout the game.Political tensions surrounding Iran’s participation, visa disputes, travel restrictions affecting supporters in several countries, immigration policy debates, concerns over summer heat and criticism of FIFA’s increasing commercialism have all fueled discussions during the tournament.The relationship between US President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino has also come under scrutiny, particularly after Balogun’s suspension was lifted ahead of the US last-16 tie.
Infantino celebrates success despite criticism
Despite the criticism, FIFA described the tournament as one of the most successful in history.Infantino highlighted the record attendance of nearly 7 million viewers, while estimating that more than 6 billion people watched the game globally.Television audiences also remain strong. Spanish-language broadcaster Telemundo reported that the final between Spain and Argentina initially attracted 22.6 million viewers and is expected to be the most-watched World Cup final in Spanish-language television history.Audience numbers also exceeded expectations in the United States, Canada and Mexico, despite concerns about ticket prices and logistics.On the field, the expanded 48-team field has largely quelled concerns that competition would be diluted. Spain, Argentina, France and England all featured in memorable matches before the tournament culminated in the heavyweight semi-finals with surprise teams such as Cape Verde and Congo.
