Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, has responded to his critics with a lengthy 15-slide social media post defending the 2026 World Cup. While he has the right to reply, the content of his message has been described as the ramblings of someone made delusional by power, especially given his close ties with Donald Trump.
Infantino’s claims of safety and joy
In his Instagram essay, Infantino declared: “We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100 percent safety and security, only joy and happiness!” However, four people died during World Cup celebrations in Mexico City after Mexico’s victory over Ecuador in the round of 32. Additionally, fans from Iran, Haiti, Somalia, and Ivory Coast were unable to share that joy because they were banned from entering the United States.
On the issue of visas, Infantino stated that “Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict.” Yet it was widely reported that only four of the 15 Iranian team staff members who were originally denied visas were later granted travel. Furthermore, Omar Artan, regarded as African football’s best referee, was denied entry to America on the eve of the tournament.
Dismissal of criticism
Infantino wrote: “You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world. Because football unites the world and it was demonstrated impressively this summer.” He suggested critics should “meditate, pray or watch a football match” to “find peace”, accusing them of “spreading hate”.
But no one is spreading hate by denouncing FIFA’s decision to make the World Cup a game of four quarters with compulsory hydration breaks, or by questioning the suspension of Folarin Balogun’s automatic one-game ban after the US beat Bosnia and Herzegovina. Trump had phoned Infantino to request a review of the ban, which was subsequently suspended, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium.
Infantino defended this, writing: “Indeed, ‘arguable’ referees’ decisions or ‘strange’ disciplinary rulings… are routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues in the world. It’s curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising.” However, the Balogun decision was arbitrary and remains unexplained.
Delusion and comparisons to Trump
Infantino concluded: “To the pens and papers, to all the screens, may you find love and peace where the people behind you couldn’t. May you find peace; we at FIFA have found ours and we deliver it, by delivering the most outstanding FIFA World Cup.” Given the post-match violent chaos and other issues, his assessment is badly flawed. Critics say he has “gone full Donald Trump” after spending so much time with the former US president.
This opinion piece reflects the view that Infantino’s rant shows he has become truly delusional, ignoring facts and using propaganda to defend a tournament that had significant problems.
