By Rajwa Quasim
FIFA President Gianni Infantino hit back hard at people criticizing the 2026 World Cup, accusing the “critics” of spreading hate and overlooking what he described as “the most outstanding FIFA World Cup.” Infantino’s comments came in a lengthy open letter published on his personal Instagram account and on FIFA’s official channels after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final to lift the trophy.
Infantino said many critics had focused on controversies instead of celebrating the tournament’s achievements. He said that millions of fans from all over the world came together during the month-long event jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. He accused them of being filled with hate and telling them they should “reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match.”
“Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed all the joy and togetherness,” wrote Infantino, adding that football once again showed its ability to unite people across different cultures and backgrounds. He directed sharp words at naysayers, saying that while critics sit behind their screens spreading hate and false rumors, FIFA has been the one doing the work by organizing the tournament and putting the best.
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He claimed that the World Cup was a complete success from a safety standpoint, saying there was no violence or other incidents. He pointed out that around seven million people from many different countries attended the football matches.
It is worth noting that the 2026 World Cup was not without controversy. Several issues emerged during the tournament, including U.S. visa restrictions that made it difficult for some fans and officials from participating countries to travel. Iran’s team was notified that its players must enter and leave U.S. territory on the same day as their matches. They also moved their World Cup training camp from United States to Tijuana, Mexico. To this, Infantino wrote, “When the Iranian team began playing, all the chants against them turned into a single song. The fans became the country, they became the team, and they stood behind Team Melli. This is the power of football. The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace. It’s not about politics. Football is about unity, not division. Football is bigger than hate and discrimination.”
Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the U.S. citing security concerns, despite holding proper credentials.
Another controversy erupted when American player Folarin Balogun had an automatic one-match suspension which was later lifted. Trump acknowledged that he intervened in this regard. Now, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided not to pursue an investigation into Infantino’s role in reversal of suspension which was filed by the human rights organization FairSquare.
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Infantino wrote in his letter, “Indeed, ‘arguable’ referees’ decisions or ‘strange’ disciplinary rulings such as for instance 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.”
He argued that every World Cup generates debates and disputed calls, but such issues should not define the overall success of the competition. the FIFA chief pointed the participation of countries facing political unrest and humanitarian challenges, including Haiti to prove that sport can promote unity. He added, “Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas…. Or when football brought Haiti to the world, a country that many cannot or choose not to visit, it might be time to set aside your pens and keyboards and show some respect to the teams that played with their hearts, that competed hard, the countries that contributed, the fans who traveled, and the children from everywhere who want to dream big. Maybe it’s time to show some love.”
He ended the open letter saying, “May football rise above all hate.” and wishing that everybody finds peace.