Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has launched a sharp criticism of current FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, claiming the handling of the 2026 World Cup has altered the essence of football’s biggest tournament.
Speaking on the organization of the competition, Blatter suggested that political influence, particularly from Donald Trump, has overshadowed football itself.
“Trump is in charge,” he said.
According to the former FIFA chief, the increasing involvement of political figures risks undermining the independence and spirit of the tournament.
“It’s no longer the same,” he implied.
Blatter also criticized what he described as excessive changes introduced under Infantino’s leadership, arguing that attempts to make the tournament “bigger and better” have come at a cost.
“They have changed too much,” he noted.
For him, these changes have diluted the traditional identity of the World Cup, affecting what makes the competition special.
“The soul is affected,” he stressed.
The 2026 tournament, set to be hosted across multiple countries, is already expected to be the largest in history, a move that has drawn both excitement and criticism.
Blatter’s comments reflect concerns among some traditionalists who fear that expansion and commercialization could impact the tournament’s authenticity.
As preparations continue, debates around the direction of global football governance remain ongoing.
For Blatter, the message is clear.
Growth is important.
But so is identity.
Because in football, tradition is part of what makes the game meaningful.
And without it, even the biggest tournaments can lose their essence.
