In a scathing critique aimed at the organizers of the 2026 World Cup, former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has argued that the United States is unfit to serve as the primary host for the tournament, alleging discriminatory policies and an unfair distribution of matches.
Speaking in a recent interview, the disgraced but outspoken former football chief took aim at the U.S. visa system, suggesting it contradicts the inclusive spirit of the sport.
“A World Cup should not be held in a country that does not grant visas to everyone,” Blatter asserted. He claimed that restrictive entry policies undermine the global nature of the event. “In this World Cup, the biggest beneficiary will be the United States, not the fans. There is a discriminatory policy in the United States against anything foreign — it’s simply ‘America First, America First’ — and that is sad, sad for the social and cultural value of football.”
The 2026 tournament is a unique tri-national edition, with matches set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, Blatter heavily criticized the match allocation, revealing a significant imbalance. “There is an unequal distribution of matches. Imagine: 78 out of 104 matches will be played on U.S. soil — that is not normal,” he said. “When putting the three countries together, their shares should have been roughly equal. This is not in the interest of developing football.”
Blatter reserved his harshest words for the political figures involved, specifically targeting former U.S. President Donald Trump. Blatter claimed that involving the U.S. presidency in football affairs has been detrimental to FIFA’s integrity. “Donald Trump is the worst thing that happened to FIFA — bringing the President of the United States into World Cup affairs is the worst thing that happened to FIFA. And there is no opposition to that.”
Blatter, who led FIFA for 17 years before being banned from football over ethics violations related to corrupt bonus payments, has a history of controversial statements regarding World Cup hosts. His comments come as preparations for the 2026 tournament, which will be the largest in history with 48 teams, are already well underway across North America.
