PARIS: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly defended the 2026 FIFA World Cup, accusing critics of “spreading hate and false rumours” while insisting the tournament was a success marked by safety, unity and celebration.
In a lengthy open letter published on Monday through his Instagram account and FIFA’s official platforms, Infantino urged those critical of the tournament to “take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray,” arguing they had overlooked the positive impact of the competition.
Infantino accuses critics of spreading negativity
Responding to widespread criticism surrounding the World Cup, Infantino said detractors were too focused on negativity to appreciate the event’s achievements.
“Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” Infantino wrote.
He added that while critics were “behind their pens and papers” and “behind their screens,” FIFA officials were working tirelessly to organize what he described as “the best show in the world.”
“We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness,” he stated.
Tournament faced multiple controversies
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, faced intense scrutiny before and during the tournament.
Major concerns included:
- High ticket prices
- Visa and travel restrictions
- Extreme summer weather
- Geopolitical tensions
- Security concerns involving participating nations
Iran’s participation during heightened tensions with the United States drew particular attention, while Haiti’s domestic crisis and the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo also raised questions about travel arrangements.
Another high-profile controversy involved Somali referee Omar Artan, who was reportedly denied entry to the United States under immigration restrictions.
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FIFA defends visa handling
Infantino rejected claims that FIFA mishandled visa-related issues, saying the organization worked to ensure football remained a symbol of peace rather than politics.
“While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war. Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict,” he wrote.
He also stressed that millions of visitors successfully received visas.
“You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world,” Infantino added.
Iran voices dissatisfaction
Despite FIFA’s positive assessment, members of Iran’s national team expressed disappointment with their World Cup experience.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei described Iran as the “most oppressed” team at the tournament, while star striker Mehdi Taremi called the team’s treatment a “disaster.”
Officiating controversy addressed
Infantino also responded to criticism surrounding disciplinary decisions after reports that US President Donald Trump had asked FIFA to review a one-match suspension imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play against Belgium in the Round of 16.
The move drew criticism from UEFA, which described the situation as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.”
Defending FIFA’s approach, Infantino argued that controversial refereeing and disciplinary decisions are common across major football leagues around the world.
“Arguable referees’ decisions or strange disciplinary rulings are routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide,” he wrote.
He concluded by suggesting that many of the countries criticizing FIFA regularly accept similar decisions within their own domestic competitions.
