Fifa president Gianni Infantino has strongly criticized those who have focused on negative aspects of the 2026 World Cup, branding them “consumed by hate.” The tournament, which concluded eight days ago, was broadly hailed as a success but was punctuated by controversies including President Trump’s apparent intervention in the Folarin Balogun incident, high ticket prices, and visa refusals.
In a statement posted on Fifa’s website, Infantino said: “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.”
This comes after Infantino responded to questions from journalists on the eve of the tournament about Fifa’s handling of the World Cup by suggesting they “chill.”
Visa issues that blighted the event in the US, Mexico and Canada included Iran’s team having their entry to the States limited to the hours before and after games and a Somali referee being turned away at the American border. Addressing these incidents, Infantino wrote: “Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict. The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace.” He added: “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.”
Infantino also dismissed loud complaints, including from European governing body Uefa, at the unilateral suspension of a one-match ban for USA striker Balogun, an act for which Trump took credit and on which there has been limited transparency. “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. “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.”
Infantino also claimed that “virtually all global celebrities from music, movies, entertainment, and sports attended, enjoying the event, spending time with fans and us”.
