FIFA president Gianni Infantino has launched a scathing attack on critics of the 2026 World Cup, accusing them of being “consumed by hate” and saying they should “reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match.”
In a lengthy message published after the tournament, Infantino defended FIFA’s handling of the World Cup, claimed critics had “missed all that joy and togetherness” and said they had been “spreading hate and false rumours” instead of celebrating football.
The post, which appeared to take aim at journalists and was shared on both Infantino’s personal Instagram account and FIFA’s official channels, came after a World Cup that saw controversy over United States visa restrictions affecting supporters and officials from several competing nations, the suspension of American player Folarin Balogun’s automatic one-match ban after intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump, and investigations into World Cup ticket pricing.
“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.
“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 also claimed the World Cup experienced “no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness,” adding that 7 million people from more than 200 countries attended matches across the tournament.
The FIFA president thanked the governments of hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States, along with police forces and volunteers, for helping deliver what he described as “the most outstanding FIFA World Cup.”
Read more:Spain’s Gavi: Argentina players shouldn’t be punished for World Cup final fracas
Much of Infantino’s statement appeared to respond to controversies that surrounded the tournament.
FIFA faced criticism over U.S. travel restrictions that affected supporters and officials from several competing nations, including Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast. Somali referee Omar Artan also was unable to enter the United States after being denied a visa.
Infantino defended the handling of visas, writing: “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 also appeared to reference criticism surrounding disciplinary decisions during the tournament, including FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun’s automatic one-match ban after the U.S. striker was sent off against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Trump later revealed he had spoken to Infantino about Balogun’s case before FIFA confirmed the striker would be eligible to face Belgium. FIFA has maintained its independent disciplinary committee made the decision, but the ruling prompted accusations of political interference from UEFA, the Belgian Football Association and European lawmakers.
Without referring to the incident directly, Infantino wrote that “‘arguable’ referees’ decisions or “‘strange’ disciplinary rulings” were “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,” he added.
Read more:IOC will not investigate Infantino over Trump interference allegations
The Norwegian Football Federation has since confirmed it intends to make a formal complaint to FIFA over Trump’s role in the Balogun case.
Infantino also urged critics to focus on what he described as football’s ability to unite people.
“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.
“May football rise above all hate.”
Infantino’s message in full
To everyone who missed our beautiful game, the emotions, the celebrations, the laughter, the crying, the deception, and the joy. 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. 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.
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.
People came together as families, as fans, as one.
We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness!
Seven million people from over 200 countries enjoyed the tournament across 16 fantastic cities and stadiums: zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence, just joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness. All were safe, secure, and happy.
Billions worldwide watched the FIFA World Cup™ from home, sharing moments of love for the game with friends and family, moments filled with joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness.
Virtually all global celebrities from music, movies, entertainment, and sports attended, enjoying the event, spending time with fans and us. They were joyful and happy.
All of this was made possible thanks to the governments of the three host countries and their tremendous contributions, thanks to FIFA and its fantastic team working for you, thanks to the host countries and all their people, the police forces and their incredible commitment, and the volunteers – oh, the volunteers, those amazing people who came from all around the world to be part of the greatest event on earth.
Every city was packed with fans from all around the globe. While they celebrated, you were busy planting seeds of hate.
Our world needs love, not hate; tolerance, not division; celebration, not mourning.
Read more:Grading the 2026 World Cup from Spain’s A to Infantino’s F
While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war. Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict. When the Iranian team began playing, all the chants against them turned into a single song. The fans became the country, they became the team, and they stood behind Team Melli. This is the power of football. The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace. It’s not about politics. Football is about unity, not division. Football is bigger than hate and discrimination.
Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas. Their teams competing and fans cheering filled millions of people back home with hope and, if only for a moment worth eternity, with joy and pride.
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.
Or when football brought Haiti to the world, a country that many cannot or choose not to visit, it might be time to set aside your pens and keyboards and show some respect to the teams that played with their hearts, that competed hard, the countries that contributed, the fans who traveled, and the children from everywhere who want to dream big. Maybe it’s time to show some love.
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.
Indeed, “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.
This FIFA World Cup celebrated humanity at its best. We saw teams from small nations compete proudly in the most prestigious matches. They were confident, professional, and brought pride to their countries. Most importantly, they gave hope; hope that anyone can be part of the world, be big in the game, regardless of where they come from. We are all equal: fans, players, and just human beings.
At FIFA, we couldn’t be more proud or emotional witnessing these moments of love, joy, and unity.
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.
Because only our beautiful game can deliver such an extraordinary show, a show where everyone becomes one and reconnects as humans.
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. May football rise above all hate.
Finally I am incredibly proud, as FIFA President, to have contributed, even a little, to this show. It’s a great feeling!
Much love to all.
