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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly defended the 2026 FIFA World Cup, accusing critics of “spreading hate and false rumours” while insisting the tournament delivered “only joy and happiness” despite widespread scrutiny before and during the competition.
In an open letter published on Monday through FIFA’s official platforms and his Instagram account, Infantino criticised what he described as relentless negativity surrounding the tournament jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Addressing critics directly, Infantino wrote: “Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all.”
He added: “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.”
Defending FIFA’s organisation of the tournament, the football governing body president said: “We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness.”
The 2026 World Cup faced intense criticism before kick-off over soaring ticket prices, visa restrictions, geopolitical tensions, extreme summer temperatures across host cities and concerns surrounding the participation of nations affected by conflict and health emergencies.
Questions were also raised after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States under the country’s immigration policy, while Iran’s participation attracted global attention amid tensions with Washington.
Responding to the criticism, Infantino argued that FIFA had successfully ensured football remained above politics.
“While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war. Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict,” he said.
According to him, “The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace. It’s not about politics.”
Infantino further maintained that FIFA ensured countries facing exceptional circumstances were not excluded from the competition.
“Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas,” he stated, adding: “You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world.”
His remarks contrast sharply with comments made by Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei, who described his team as the “most oppressed” side at the tournament, while striker Mehdi Taremi labelled their experience a “disaster.”
The FIFA president also addressed criticism over refereeing decisions, particularly after United States forward Folarin Balogun was cleared to play against Belgium in the Round of 16 following the intervention that reportedly came after US President Donald Trump asked FIFA to review the striker’s one-match suspension.
European football governing body UEFA had condemned the decision, describing it as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable” and warning that it “crossed a red line.”
Infantino defended FIFA’s disciplinary process, saying: “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 added: “‘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.”
Concluding his defence, Infantino questioned the criticism directed at FIFA, stating: “It’s curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising.”
