Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has launched a scathing attack on football’s governing body in the aftermath of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, claiming the tournament “lost its credibility” and urging fans, players and national associations to reclaim the sport from political influence.Blatter’s strongly worded 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-ever 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 must not be allowed to overshadow the game.”He concluded with an even stronger appeal directed at football’s stakeholders.“Now it is up to the fans, players and national associations to reclaim football and bring it back to its roots under new leadership,” he added.The post also tagged FIFA, the World Cup, the controversial FIFA halftime show, Donald Trump and current FIFA president Gianni Infantino, underlining who Blatter believes should be at the centre of the debate.
Politics and controversies dominate tournament discussion
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 football and politics during the expanded tournament.The 2026 edition, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, was the biggest in World Cup history, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches across 16 venues over more than a month.Although the football itself received widespread praise, several off-field controversies dominated headlines throughout the tournament.Political tensions surrounding Iran’s participation, visa disputes, travel restrictions affecting supporters from several nations, debate over immigration policies, concerns about extreme summer heat and criticism of FIFA’s growing commercialisation all fuelled discussion during the competition.The relationship between US President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino also came under intense scrutiny, particularly after Balogun’s suspension was lifted ahead of the United States’ Round of 16 clash.
Infantino celebrates success despite criticism
Despite the criticism, FIFA has described the tournament as one of the most successful in history.Infantino highlighted record attendance figures of nearly seven million spectators, while estimating that more than six billion viewers watched the tournament worldwide.Television audiences also remained strong. Spanish-language broadcaster Telemundo reported that the Spain-Argentina final attracted 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 United States, Canada and Mexico also exceeded expectations despite concerns over ticket prices and logistics.On the field, the expanded 48-team format largely silenced fears that the competition would become diluted. Surprise packages such as Cape Verde and Congo enjoyed memorable campaigns before the tournament ultimately delivered heavyweight semi-finals featuring Spain, Argentina, France and England.
