World Cup 2026: ‘This will be the worst World Cup we’ve ever seen’ – Egypt legend Mohamed Aboutrika

Egyptian football legend Mohamed Aboutrika has delivered a damning assessment of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, claiming the tournament could go down as the worst edition in the competition’s history.

The former Egypt international made the comments while discussing the numerous controversies that have surrounded the tournament before and during its opening stages.

Aboutrika expressed concern about what he described as a series of organizational, political, and humanitarian issues overshadowing football’s biggest event.

“This will be the worst World Cup we’ve ever seen,” the former Al Ahly star said during a television appearance.

The Egyptian icon pointed to several factors behind his criticism, including visa complications experienced by fans from various countries, political tensions surrounding the tournament, and ongoing debates about international conflicts.

Aboutrika has been particularly vocal regarding the situation in Gaza and has repeatedly questioned the role of major sporting events in shaping global perceptions of host nations.

One of Africa’s most decorated footballers, Aboutrika argued that the focus should be on football and the supporters rather than controversies dominating headlines in the build-up to the competition.

His comments come amid reports of travel difficulties affecting some supporters, protests in parts of the host nations, and growing scrutiny from activists and human rights organizations.

The former midfielder’s remarks have sparked widespread debate across the football community. While some fans have praised him for speaking openly about issues they believe deserve greater attention, others argue that his criticism is overly harsh and premature given that the tournament has only just begun.

Aboutrika’s outspoken stance is consistent with a career in which he has regularly used his platform to discuss social and political issues. The Egyptian legend remains one of the most respected and influential figures in African football, ensuring that his comments carry significant weight across the continent.

Whether his prediction proves accurate remains to be seen, but his remarks have undoubtedly added to the growing scrutiny surrounding the 2026 World Cup and the challenges facing football’s flagship event.

With the tournament expected to attract billions of viewers worldwide over the coming weeks, organizers will be hoping that the football itself eventually becomes the dominant story rather than the controversies that have accompanied its launch.