FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, has launched a strongly worded defence of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, accusing critics of being “consumed by hate” while insisting the tournament will be remembered for bringing people together rather than the controversies that surrounded it.
In a lengthy statement shared on his Instagram page and FIFA’s official platforms, Infantino rejected criticism over the competition jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
He argued that detractors overlooked the positive impact of the tournament, choosing instead to focus on isolated controversies and negative narratives.
Addressing those who questioned the organisation of the World Cup, the FIFA chief said many had failed to appreciate the unity and joy football created across the globe.
“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,” Infantino wrote in his scathing address. “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.”
The tournament faced criticism over travel and immigration challenges, with fans and officials from countries including Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast encountering strict United States visa requirements. Somali referee Omar Artan was also unable to enter the country to officiate during the competition.
Infantino, however, downplayed those concerns, arguing they represented only a small fraction of the millions who attended the tournament.
According to him, more than seven million spectators from over 200 countries participated in the event, which he said was conducted with complete safety and security.
“You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world,” Infantino added. “Because football unites the world, and it was demonstrated impressively this summer.”
The FIFA president also appeared to address the controversy surrounding United States forward Folarin Balogun, whose automatic one-match suspension after a red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina was overturned following public comments by US President Donald Trump about discussing the player’s availability with Infantino.
Although he did not mention Balogun or Trump by name, Infantino argued that contentious refereeing and disciplinary decisions are common in football and should not be treated differently simply because they occurred during the World Cup.
“‘Arguable’ referees’ decisions or ‘strange’ disciplinary rulings such as for instance 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.”
Despite FIFA’s defence, the issue continues to generate debate, with the Norwegian Football Federation confirming it intends to submit a formal complaint over the perceived political influence surrounding the Balogun decision.
