FIFA's Infantino Defends World Cup 2026, Accuses Critics of Spreading Hate

One week after the 2026 World Cup final, FIFA President Gianni Infantino published a 900-word open letter on Instagram and FIFA's website, defending the tournament and attacking critics he accused of spreading "hate and false rumors." Infantino praised FIFA for "delivering the best show in the world" and characterized the event as bringing "joy and togetherness" to millions of fans globally. The letter was directed at media commentators and other critics who had raised concerns during the tournament.

The statement addressed multiple controversies that had drawn scrutiny during the World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These included visa denials affecting Iranian team officials, a Somali referee, and supporters from several nations attempting to enter the U.S.; the FIFA disciplinary decision regarding U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, whose automatic one-game ban was suspended on probation following a red card; unprecedented ticket prices; commercialized breaks midway through each half of all 104 matches; and officiating decisions, particularly in Argentina's last-16 victory over Egypt. Infantino stated that "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," and noted the irony that countries employing such practices were among those criticizing FIFA.

On Iran's participation, Infantino emphasized that the team entered the U.S. "without incident or conflict" despite geopolitical tensions, framing FIFA's role as uniting nations. He also addressed visa denial criticism by noting that millions of visas were approved while acknowledging that "countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas." On the Balogun case, Infantino defended the deferral of the ban as standard practice, though FIFA has not yet published the written verdict of its disciplinary judge.

Infantino's letter reflected an increasingly strained relationship between FIFA leadership and international media. His pre-tournament news conference in Mexico City marked his first full gathering with international media since March 2023. At a prior conference in Rwanda, Infantino had asked the assembled media: "Why are you so mean?" In Mexico City, he had suggested critics should "chill, relax."

The statement concluded with an appeal to critics: "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." Infantino signed off with "Much love to all." The letter is expected to generate further public debate, given the contested nature of several issues raised.