FIFA President Gianni Infantino has launched a sharp defense of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, accusing critics of "spreading hate and false rumors" and insisting the tournament delivered "the best show in the world." In a 900-word statement published on Instagram and FIFA's official website one week after the final, Infantino praised the event for bringing "joy and togetherness" to millions of fans across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Addressing what he described as persistent criticism throughout the tournament, Infantino said detractors had been too focused on negativity to appreciate the success of the competition. "Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all," he wrote, directing his remarks at "those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumors." During the tournament, FIFA faced criticism over visa denials affecting some players, officials, referees, and supporters, high ticket prices, commercial breaks during matches, and the handling of disciplinary decisions.
The FIFA chief argued that the tournament united people from around the world despite political tensions and logistical challenges. Referring to concerns surrounding Iran's participation in matches hosted in the United States, Infantino said the Iranian team entered the country "without incident or conflict" and claimed FIFA had worked to "unite two countries at war." He also defended the organization's record on visas, saying critics had focused on isolated cases while overlooking the millions of fans who were granted entry.
Infantino also responded to controversy surrounding the disciplinary case involving United States forward Folarin Balogun, whose one-match suspension following a red card was deferred instead of being immediately enforced. The decision prompted allegations of political influence because of the player's role in the host nation's campaign. Rejecting those claims, Infantino said decisions not to suspend players in certain circumstances were "routine," although FIFA has yet to publish the disciplinary ruling explaining the decision.
The statement also reflected Infantino's increasingly tense relationship with sections of the international media during his 11-year presidency. In recent years, he has repeatedly challenged journalists over their coverage of FIFA, asking reporters before his re-election in 2023 why they were "so mean" and urging critics ahead of this year's tournament to "chill" and "relax." In his latest message, he contrasted what he described as media hostility with FIFA's engagement with supporters across the three host countries.
Infantino concluded by urging critics to step back from what he called negativity and instead focus on the emotions and unity generated by football. "To those spending their time and energy hating us, please take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match and truly observe the faces, the eyes, the emotions," he wrote, signing off the statement with the words: "Much love to all."
