FIFA president Gianni Infantino has launched an extraordinary attack on critics of the 2026 World Cup, accusing them of being "consumed by hate" as he defended the tournament following a string of major controversies.
The tournament, which ended just over a week ago with Spain defeating Argentina in the final, attracted widespread praise for the football on the pitch but was overshadowed by several high-profile issues off it.
Infantino's Defence of the Tournament
Among the biggest talking points were Donald Trump's controversial intervention in the Folarin Balogun disciplinary case, soaring ticket prices, visa problems affecting teams and officials, and the ongoing scrutiny surrounding FIFA's handling of the competition.
Writing in a lengthy statement published on FIFA's official website, Infantino hit back at those who criticised the tournament. "To all of you who missed watching kids, babies, grandparents and parents come together for the beautiful game, I say sorry that the matches are now over and sorry that you missed all that joy and togetherness," he wrote. "Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all."
"To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world," Infantino added. "While you hide, we are exploring the streets of Canada, Mexico and the United States, talking with fans, engaging with people and ensuring everyone's safety. While you divide, we unite."
Visa and Disciplinary Issues Addressed
The comments come after Infantino previously told journalists to "chill" when questioned about FIFA's organisation of the tournament before it began. One of the major concerns throughout the World Cup centred on visa restrictions across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iran's squad reportedly had their access to the US limited to periods immediately surrounding their matches, while a Somali referee was refused entry at the US border.
Infantino insisted those incidents had been exaggerated. "Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict. The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace," he said. "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."
The FIFA president also defended the governing body's controversial handling of the Folarin Balogun case. The US striker saw a one-match suspension lifted in a move that prompted criticism from UEFA and others, with President Trump later claiming credit for the intervention. The decision sparked questions over FIFA's disciplinary process and transparency.
Infantino argued that similar rulings happen regularly in domestic football. "Your dissatisfaction with a few decisions made by the competent authorities is understandable, but please refer to public records: such decisions are common in some of the most important leagues," he said. "'Arguable' referees' decisions or 'strange' disciplinary rulings such as potentially mistaken red or yellow cards or subsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations are routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide. It's curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising."
Celebrity Attendance and Post-Final Investigation
Infantino concluded by claiming the tournament had been embraced by stars from across the world, adding that "virtually all global celebrities from music, movies, entertainment and sports attended, enjoying the event, spending time with fans and us."
FIFA are currently investigating the scenes after the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, with many of the South American players accused of starting the ugly post-match melee. However, Infantino this week was the subject of more criticism for the content of a letter he wrote to Argentina, which was leaked in the Argentinean press, in which he praised them for their 'professionalism' in the tournament.
