Ex-FIFA President Sepp Blatter takes aim at Gianni Infantino and 2026 World Cup

In a surprising turn of events, ex-FIFA President Sepp Blatter has voiced his criticisms of current FIFA President Gianni Infantino, focusing on the upcoming 2026 World Cup set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Blatter, who led the organization from 1998 until his resignation in 2015 amid corruption scandals, has expressed dissatisfaction with Infantino's handling of the tournament's expansion and commercial strategies.

Blatter's Concerns Over Tournament Expansion

The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, expanded from the traditional 32-team format. Blatter argues that this increase dilutes the quality of the competition and places unnecessary strain on logistics and resources. He stated, "The World Cup should maintain its elite status, and expanding the number of participating teams could compromise the tournament's integrity."

Blatter's comments echo concerns from several football analysts who fear that more teams could lead to a less competitive group stage, with potential mismatches and a longer tournament duration.

Commercialization Criticized

Another point of contention for Blatter is what he perceives as an overemphasis on commercialization under Infantino's leadership. While FIFA has consistently sought to increase its revenues through various means, including sponsorships and broadcasting rights, Blatter is wary of the potential for commercial interests to overshadow the sport itself.

"Football must remain the focus of the World Cup, not the profits," Blatter remarked. "While financial stability is crucial, the essence of the game should not be compromised for commercial gain."

Infantino's Vision for 2026

In response, Infantino has defended the expansion as a way to bring the World Cup experience to more fans globally, particularly in regions where football is growing rapidly. He argues that a larger tournament can help develop the sport further and foster international unity.

The 2026 World Cup, scheduled to take place from June to July, will mark the first time the tournament is hosted by three countries. With cities across North America preparing to welcome fans, the debate over the tournament's format and commercial focus continues to unfold. Infantino remains optimistic that the event will set a new benchmark for global football.

As the countdown to 2026 begins, Blatter's criticisms serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and debates within FIFA as it navigates the future of the world's most popular sport.