- Infantino Fires Back at World Cup Critics, Insists FIFA Delivered ‘Joy and Happiness’ Amid Record-Breaking Tournament
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has mounted a robust defence of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, dismissing criticism of the tournament as “hate and false rumours” while insisting football’s global showpiece was a success that united nations and brought happiness to millions around the world.
In a strongly worded open letter published on FIFA’s official platforms and his Instagram account, Infantino responded to the controversies that surrounded the World Cup in Canada, the United States and Mexico, urging critics to reflect on what he described as the tournament’s positive legacy.
“Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” Infantino wrote.
Addressing journalists, commentators and critics directly, the FIFA president defended the governing body’s work in organising the first-ever 48-team World Cup.
“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,” he stated.
Infantino argued that despite widespread concerns before the tournament, FIFA successfully staged a safe and peaceful competition.
“We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100 per cent safety and security, only joy and happiness,” he added.
The 2026 World Cup faced intense scrutiny long before kickoff. Concerns ranged from expensive ticket prices and extreme summer temperatures to visa restrictions, geopolitical tensions and international health concerns.
Iran’s participation drew significant attention amid ongoing tensions with the United States, while conflicts in Haiti and the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo also raised questions about travel arrangements for participating nations and supporters.
One of the tournament’s most controversial incidents involved Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the United States under immigration restrictions, prompting criticism of the host nation’s visa policies.
However, Infantino insisted FIFA had worked tirelessly to ensure football remained a bridge between nations.
“While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war. Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict,” he said.
“The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace. It’s not about politics.”
He further stressed that the overwhelming majority of visa applications linked to the World Cup were approved.
“You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world,” Infantino said, adding that countries facing health emergencies and other challenges were also accommodated.
Despite FIFA’s defence, not everyone involved in the tournament shared the same assessment.
Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei described his side as the “most oppressed” team at the World Cup, while striker Mehdi Taremi labelled the team’s experience a “disaster” because of the difficulties they encountered during the competition.
Infantino also addressed criticism surrounding FIFA’s disciplinary processes after reports emerged that United States President Donald Trump had personally asked him to review the one-match suspension imposed on US forward Folarin Balogun, allowing the striker to feature in the Americans’ Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
The decision attracted criticism from UEFA, which described the incident as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable,” claiming it had crossed “a red line.”
The FIFA president, however, defended the governing body’s disciplinary procedures, arguing that similar decisions are regularly made in domestic leagues across the world.
“Your dissatisfaction with a few decisions made by the competent authorities is understandable,” Infantino wrote.
“‘Arguable’ referees’ decisions or ‘strange’ disciplinary rulings are routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide. It’s curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising.”
Infantino’s response comes shortly after FIFA announced that the expanded 2026 World Cup had shattered previous attendance and television audience records, reinforcing the organisation’s belief that the tournament was a landmark success despite the controversies that accompanied it.
With debate over the tournament’s organisation continuing, Infantino remains adamant that the World Cup achieved its primary objective—bringing nations together through football while delivering what he described as “the best show in the world.”
