Gianni Infantino hits back at World Cup critics after controversial 2026 tournament

• FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the 2026 World Cup in a lengthy post, accusing critics of spreading “hate and false rumours.”
• Infantino responded to criticism surrounding visa restrictions, disciplinary decisions and tournament organisation following the final.
• The FIFA president insisted the World Cup united millions of people across the globe and urged detractors to “reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match.”

Gianni Infantino has launched a forceful defence of FIFA’s handling of the 2026 World Cup, accusing critics of focusing on negativity instead of recognising what he described as one of the most successful tournaments in the competition’s history.

The FIFA president published a lengthy statement across his personal Instagram account and FIFA’s official channels following Sunday’s final, responding to criticism that surrounded the tournament while praising its global impact.

The 2026 World Cup concluded after weeks of debate over United States visa restrictions affecting supporters and officials from several competing nations, FIFA’s decision to overturn Folarin Balogun’s automatic one-match suspension following intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump, and investigations into World Cup ticket pricing.

Infantino insisted those controversies had overshadowed what he believes was a tournament defined by unity.

“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.”

The FIFA president also criticised journalists and commentators who questioned the organisation throughout the tournament.

“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 said the tournament demonstrated football’s ability to unite supporters from every continent, claiming seven million people from more than 200 countries attended matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

He described the competition as one that produced “no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness,” while thanking the governments of all three host nations, security services, volunteers and FIFA staff for their contribution.

The statement addressed several of the major controversies that followed the tournament.

Visa restrictions imposed by the United States prevented some supporters and officials from travelling to the competition, with nations including Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast affected. Somali referee Omar Artan was also unable to enter the country after being denied a visa.

Infantino defended the overall process and argued the focus should remain on the millions who successfully travelled to the tournament.

“You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world,” he wrote.

“Because football unites the world, and it was demonstrated impressively this summer.”

Infantino also appeared to respond to criticism surrounding FIFA’s disciplinary decisions, most notably the governing body’s decision to lift Balogun’s automatic one-match suspension after the United States striker was sent off against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Trump later confirmed he had spoken to Infantino regarding Balogun’s case before FIFA announced the striker would be available for the United States’ round-of-16 match against Belgium.

FIFA has maintained that an independent disciplinary committee reached the decision, although the ruling prompted criticism from UEFA, the Belgian Football Association and members of the European Parliament, who questioned whether political influence played a role.

Without mentioning Balogun by name, Infantino defended FIFA’s disciplinary process.

“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 wrote.

“‘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.”

The Norwegian Football Federation has since confirmed it intends to submit a formal complaint to FIFA regarding Trump’s involvement in Balogun’s suspension being overturned.

Infantino closed his statement by urging critics to focus on football’s ability to bring people together rather than divide them.

“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.

“Because only our beautiful game can deliver such an extraordinary show, a show where everyone becomes one and reconnects as humans.”

“May football rise above all hate.”