By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Former Sepp Blatter has criticised the decision to stage most matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, questioning the country’s visa policies and the balance of hosting duties.
In verified comments published by Swiss media, Blatter argued that a World Cup “should not be held in a country that does not grant visas to everyone,” expressing concern that entry restrictions could affect the tournament’s inclusiveness.
The 88-year-old also criticised the distribution of matches across the three host nations — the United States, Canada, and Mexico — noting that 78 of the 104 matches are scheduled to be played in the U.S., with significantly fewer games allocated to the other co-hosts.
Blatter further expressed concern over political involvement, referencing the role of U.S. President Donald Trumpin World Cup-related events and describing such political proximity as harmful to football’s independence.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams and the first to be co-hosted by three nations. FIFA has previously defended the hosting structure, stating that venue allocation was determined by infrastructure, stadium capacity, and commercial considerations.
Blatter, who led FIFA from 1998 to 2015, has frequently voiced opinions on FIFA decisions since leaving office.
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