'World Cup lost its credibility': Blatter says politics overshadowed football

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has launched a scathing attack on football's governing body in the aftermath of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, claiming the tournament "lost its credibility" and urging fans, players and national associations to reclaim the sport from political influence.Blatter's strongly worded message came just two days after Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift their second World Cup title, bringing the first-ever 48-team World Cup to a close. While acknowledging Spain as deserving champions, the 90-year-old Swiss did not hold back in his assessment of the tournament's wider legacy.Taking to X, Blatter wrote: "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.