2026 World Cup Lost Credibility Despite Spain’s Triumph — Ex-FIFA President Blatter

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has criticised the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying the tournament lost its credibility despite Spain emerging as deserving champions, while urging football stakeholders to protect the game from political influence.

Blatter made the remarks in a post on his X account on Tuesday, following the conclusion of the expanded 48-team tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Congratulating Spain on lifting the trophy, the former FIFA chief nevertheless argued that the competition was overshadowed by controversies that undermined public confidence in the integrity of the tournament.

“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,” Blatter wrote.

“Politics must not be allowed to overshadow the game. Now it is up to the fans, players and national associations to reclaim football and bring it back to its roots under new leadership.”

Blatter’s criticism follows several contentious issues that dominated discussions throughout the tournament.

Among them was Iran’s unusual tournament arrangement after diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Washington prevented the team from establishing its training base in the United States. Instead, the Iranian team camped in neighbouring Mexico before travelling for matches, raising concerns about competitive fairness and logistical challenges.

Another major controversy involved United States striker Folarin Balogun, whose red-card suspension was overturned by FIFA’s Appeal Committee before the Americans’ round-of-16 clash against Belgium.

The decision attracted widespread attention after reports emerged that US President Donald Trump had discussed the matter with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Reacting at the time, Trump welcomed the ruling on his Truth Social platform, describing it as the correct decision.

Blatter strongly criticised the development, insisting that disciplinary matters should remain independent of political influence.

“Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls. They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies,” he wrote earlier during the tournament.

“If a U.S. President intervenes with the FIFA President — and a player is suddenly cleared before a World Cup knockout match — the question is unavoidable: Quo vadis, FIFA? Football must never become a playground for political power.”

Blatter served as FIFA president from 1998 until 2015. Although he later left office following a football ban linked to a controversial payment to former UEFA president Michel Platini, both men were subsequently acquitted by Swiss courts. Since then, Blatter has remained a frequent critic of FIFA’s current administration under Gianni Infantino.