The 2026 World Cup is already a tournament of historic proportions, but not just for the action on the pitch. Amidst a storm of controversy over player welfare, the expansion of the competition, and exorbitant ticket prices, one of the game’s most respected figures has launched a blistering attack on FIFA and its leadership.

Philipp Lahm, the former Germany captain who lifted the World Cup trophy in 2014, has publicly denounced FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing the governing body of prioritizing commercial gain over the sport’s integrity. In a column published in the German newspaper Die Zeit, Lahm expressed grave concerns about what he views as the dangerous over-commercialization of soccer’s greatest event .

“The World Cup has been sold. That robs football of its credibility,” Lahm wrote, articulating a sentiment that resonates with a growing number of disgruntled fans . The former Bayern Munich defender suggested that supporters are increasingly unable to separate the spectacle of the tournament from the organization that runs it, leading to widespread discomfort and disillusionment .

Controversy Over Ticket Pricing and Transparency

A significant point of contention for Lahm is the pricing and availability of tickets for the current tournament. He accused FIFA of a lack of transparency regarding genuine ticket demand, implying that the organization artificially inflates prices to maximize profits . This criticism comes as fans, politicians, and even former FIFA officials have decried the cost of attending matches, which has reached record highs .

This year marks the first time FIFA has utilized a dynamic pricing model in North America, where prices fluctuate based on real-time demand . This has led to astronomical costs; top-tier tickets for the final in New Jersey soared to nearly $33,000, a staggering increase from previous tournaments . In response to public backlash, FIFA introduced a limited number of $60 tickets, though critics argue these represent a minuscule fraction of the total seats available . The pricing controversy has even prompted investigations by attorneys general in New York and New Jersey .

Broader Concerns: Expansion and Player Welfare

Beyond ticket sales, Lahm also voiced his opposition to discussions about staging the World Cup every two years. He argued that such a change would diminish the tournament's prestige and fail to give host nations the necessary time to prepare and create a lasting legacy .

He further criticized the increasing burden on players, pointing to the expanded Club World Cup as a factor adding unnecessary strain to an already crowded international calendar . While the current World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico has seen the introduction of hydration breaks—ostensibly for player safety—former manager Jurgen Klopp has also criticized these stoppages, dismissing them as marketing opportunities for sponsors rather than genuine welfare measures .

A Balanced Perspective on the 48-Team Format

Despite his sharp criticisms of FIFA's leadership, Lahm offered praise for one significant change. He expressed support for the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, believing it creates opportunities for nations like Scotland, DR Congo, and Cape Verde to compete on the global stage . Lahm argued that it is FIFA's duty to develop football globally, a task that requires participation, and that quality differences between teams are to be expected and tolerated .

A History of Tension

This is not the first time Lahm has been publicly critical of Infantino. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the former captain questioned the FIFA president's integrity, suggesting he was not acting in the best interests of the sport . His latest comments, however, have struck a particularly sharp tone, accusing the FIFA president of drawing too close to "rulers like Donald Trump" and implying that personal advantages are being sought from their positions .

As the 2026 World Cup progresses with 48 teams vying for glory, Lahm’s commentary serves as a stark reminder of the tension between the sport’s traditional values and the vast, multi-billion dollar industry it has become.