Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has launched a scathing criticism of the decision to stage the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the United States, insisting that a host nation must guarantee equal access to all participating countries and supporters.
Blatter argued that a World Cup “should not be held in a country that does not grant visas,” claiming that restrictive entry policies undermine the global spirit of the tournament. According to him, a nation hosting football’s biggest event must be open to everyone, without discrimination.
He further suggested that the United States stands to benefit more than fans from the tournament, adding that current policies reflect an “America First” approach that he believes contradicts the social and cultural values of the global game.
The former FIFA boss also took aim at former U.S. President Donald Trump, describing his involvement in World Cup affairs as damaging to FIFA. Blatter claimed that bringing the American presidency into football matters was one of the worst developments for the governing body.
In addition, Blatter criticized the distribution of matches across the three host nations. With 78 of the 104 matches reportedly set to be played in the United States, he described the arrangement as unequal and not in the broader interest of football development. He argued that the games should have been shared more evenly among the co-hosting countries.
The expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking the first time three nations will stage the tournament.
