Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has launched a fierce attack on soccer’s governing body after 2026. FIFA World Cupstating that the tournament “lost its credibility” and urged fans, players and national associations to recover the sport from political influence.Blatter’s strong message came just two days after Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift their second World Cup title, bringing the first 48-team World Cup to a close. While acknowledging Spain as deserving champions, the 90-year-old Swiss did not hold back in his assessment of the tournament’s wider legacy.Taking to X, Blatter wrote: “The longest World Cup has come to an end – with the right champions. But on the way to the final whistle, the tournament had lost its credibility. Politics should not be allowed to overshadow the game.”I concluded with an even stronger appeal directed at football stakeholders.“Now it’s up to the fans, players and national associations to reclaim football and return it to its roots under new leadership,” he added.The post also tagged FIFA, the World Cup, the controversial FIFA half-time show, Donald Trump and current FIFA president Gianni Infantino, underlining that Blatter believes he should be at the center of the debate.
Politics and controversies dominate the discussion of the tournament
Blatter has been one of the most vocal critics of FIFA’s direction under Infantino, and his latest remarks reflect growing scrutiny over the intersection of soccer and politics during the extended tournament.The 2026 edition, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, was the largest in World Cup history, with 48 teams, 104 matches in 16 locations over a month.Although the football itself received general praise, several off-field controversies dominated the headlines throughout the tournament.Political tensions surrounding Iran’s participation, visa disputes, travel restrictions affecting supporters from many nations, debate over immigration policies, concerns over the extreme summer heat and criticism of FIFA’s growing commercialism all fueled discussions during the competition.The relationship between US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino has also come under intense scrutiny, particularly after Balogun’s suspension was lifted ahead of the US’s round of 16 clash.
Infantino celebrates success despite criticism
Despite the criticism, FIFA described the tournament as one of the most successful in history.Infantino highlighted a record attendance of almost seven million spectators, while he estimates that more than six billion viewers watched the tournament worldwide.The television audience was also strong. Spanish-language broadcaster Telemundo said the Spain-Argentina final drew a preliminary audience of 22.6 million, putting it on course to become the most-watched World Cup final in Spanish-language television history.Attendance across the US, Canada and Mexico also exceeded expectations despite concerns about ticket prices and logistics.On the field, the expanded 48-team format has largely silenced fears that the competition will become diluted. Surprise packages such as Cape Verde and Congo enjoyed memorable campaigns before the tournament finally brought heavyweight semi-finals with Spain, Argentina, France and England.