Blatter: The Best Decision I Made Was Awarding South Africa The 2010 WC

Former FIFA President Joseph Blatter has revealed that awarding the 2010 FIFA World Cup to South Africa was the best decision he made during his time in charge of world football.

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The tournament marked a historic milestone as it became the first FIFA World Cup ever staged on African soil since the competition's inception in 1930.

Blatter Reflects On Historic 2010 World Cup Decision

Looking back on his presidency, Blatter said taking the World Cup to South Africa remains the achievement he is most proud of.

"The best decision I made during my time as FIFA president was awarding South Africa the right to host the 2010 World Cup and holding this historic event on African soil," he said per Kora Plus.

"I am very proud of this decision, and if I were in my position today, I would make the same decision again."

Blatter also paid tribute to the late Nelson Mandela and the role he played in inspiring both South Africa and the world.

"I was working with my colleagues to have a new Nelson Mandela, the man who fought for freedom and justice and struggled against racism. I am proud of everything Mandela achieved despite his long years of imprisonment."

"I felt that I had a responsibility and a message towards Africa, and therefore I will never forget the decision to hold the World Cup in South Africa.

"For me, the 2010 edition remains the closest to my heart and the most special, because it confirms that I contributed to adding something important to football during my presidency of FIFA."

African Teams Impressing At 2026 World Cup

Fast forward to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Africa has a record 10 representatives competing on the global stage, with several nations producing encouraging performances against some of world football's traditional powerhouses.

Blatter admitted he has been impressed by what he has seen from the continent's teams, singling out Egypt and Senegal for praise.

"I am very happy with the results and levels I see from the African teams, especially the Egyptian and Senegalese teams. What I saw from the Egyptian team was wonderful and amazing, and there is a great and noticeable development in skills and performance."

His comments come after Egypt secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory with a 3-1 comeback win over New Zealand on Monday.

The Swiss administrator believes African teams are showing they can compete at the highest level if given the right opportunities.

"If these teams are given the opportunity, I believe they are capable of achieving better results in the future.

"The Egyptian team played a wonderful and amazing match, and its players showed great professionalism and a high team spirit throughout the match, and they did not stop fighting and working together."

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With African nations continuing to make their mark at the 2026 World Cup, Blatter's long-standing belief in the continent's footballing potential appears to be bearing fruit on the biggest stage of them all.