FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hit back at critics of his leadership and the governing body’s handling of the 2026 World Cup, urging detractors to “reflect, meditate, pray or watch a football match” rather than, in his words, spreading “hate and false rumours.”
The outspoken response came in a 15-slide message posted on Infantino’s personal Instagram account and later shared with FIFA’s more than eight million followers. In the lengthy statement, he argued that while critics focused on controversy, FIFA had successfully staged what he described as “the greatest event on earth.”
Infantino portrayed the tournament as a celebration of football and global unity, insisting it showcased “humanity at its best” and claiming the competition delivered “100% safety and security, only joy and happiness.”
Among the issues he addressed was Iran’s participation in the tournament despite heightened tensions with co-host nation the United States. Infantino praised FIFA’s efforts, saying the organisation had helped ensure the Iranian team entered the country without conflict, describing it as an example of football bringing people together.
However, that assessment contrasts sharply with comments from Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei, who described his squad as the “most oppressed” team at the tournament.
Iran encountered numerous logistical problems, including visa delays, the denial of entry for key members of its coaching staff and the cancellation of some supporters’ tickets. The team also abandoned its planned training base in Tucson, Arizona, relocating to Tijuana, Mexico, before facing travel restrictions while commuting to group-stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Travel-related difficulties extended beyond Iran. Supporters from Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast were also affected by immigration restrictions introduced by the Trump administration, while Somali referee Omar Artan was refused entry into the United States despite possessing a diplomatic passport and a valid single-entry US visa.
Infantino dismissed those concerns, arguing that critics had focused on isolated cases rather than the broader picture.
“You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world,” he wrote, adding that the tournament demonstrated football’s ability to unite people across borders.
The FIFA chief also insisted the competition passed off peacefully, declaring there had been “zero incidents, zero violence” throughout the tournament.
That claim has been questioned following several high-profile incidents. FIFA is investigating altercations involving Argentina players and staff after their World Cup final defeat to Spain, while allegations of racist abuse directed at American influencer IShowSpeed are also under review. Arrests were made at several matches, including after England’s semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta, and the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers at stadiums also drew criticism.
Infantino further defended FIFA’s handling of disciplinary matters, particularly the controversial decision to suspend USA forward Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban ahead of the Americans’ last-16 match after intervention from US President Donald Trump.
The ruling sparked fierce criticism across world football. UEFA described the move as “unprecedented, incomprehensible, and unjustifiable,” while the Norwegian Football Federation has considered submitting a complaint to FIFA’s ethics committee.
Infantino rejected accusations of political interference, arguing similar disciplinary decisions are commonplace in major domestic leagues.
“It’s curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising,” he said.
The International Olympic Committee has also confirmed it will not investigate Infantino over allegations that he breached political neutrality, saying complaints submitted by campaign group FairSquare fall outside the remit of its ethics commission.
Concluding his message, Infantino accused opponents of allowing criticism to overshadow the tournament’s positive moments.
“Our world needs love, not hate; tolerance, not division; celebration, not mourning,” he wrote.
“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 added that he was “incredibly proud” of FIFA’s role in delivering what he believes was a tournament that united millions around the world.
