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FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hit back at his critics in dramatic style, saying that those who attacked the 2026 World Cup were “consumed by hate.” In a long and defiant statement, the head of world football’s governing body stood up for the tournament’s legacy and urged his opponents to “meditate or pray” rather than spread negativity.

Infantino hits back at critics

After a tournament that was shaped as much by off-field controversy as by on-field brilliance, Infantino has decided to go on the attack. The FIFA president used his personal Instagram and the organisation’s official channels to deliver a sharp response to journalists and critics who questioned the organisation and integrity of the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Presenting the event as a celebration of unity, Infantino said his critics had failed to appreciate the wider joy of the sport because of their own personal bias and agendas.

“To all of you who missed watching kids, babies, grandparents, and parents come together for the beautiful game, I say sorry that the matches are now over and sorry that you missed all that joy and togetherness,” Infantino wrote in his scathing address. “Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all.

“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.”

Addressing the visa controversies and safety

The tournament was affected by major travel problems, with supporters and officials from countries such as Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast facing strict US visa restrictions. Somali referee Omar Artan was even stopped from entering the US to officiate. However, Infantino dismissed these as small issues when compared with the overall number of people who attended. He said the event drew 7 million fans from more than 200 countries, and claimed a “100 percent safety and security” record while thanking the host governments for ensuring a violence-free environment.

“You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world,” Infantino added. “Because football unites the world, and it was demonstrated impressively this summer.”

Defending the Balogun political storm

Perhaps the most controversial moment of the tournament involved US striker Folarin Balogun, whose automatic one-match ban after a red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina was sensationally overturned. The decision came soon after US President Donald Trump revealed that he had spoken directly to Infantino about the player’s availability. While UEFA and the Belgian Football Association raised questions over the alleged political interference, Infantino quickly pointed out that similar disciplinary inconsistencies happen in major domestic leagues without attracting such intense global scrutiny.

Without directly mentioning the incident, the president said: “'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.

“It's curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising.” Despite these explanations, the Norwegian Football Federation has already confirmed that it will file a formal complaint over the perceived error involving Trump’s influence.

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A call for meditation and footballing peace

Looking ahead to the future of the game, Infantino urged his outspoken critics to change their outlook and embrace the emotional force of football. He ended his long statement by presenting FIFA as a source of peace and telling his detractors to seek spiritual or emotional clarity.

“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 said

“May you find peace; we at FIFA have found ours and we deliver it, by delivering the most outstanding FIFA World Cup. May football rise above all hate. Finally I am incredibly proud, as FIFA President, to have contributed, even a little, to this show. It's a great feeling! Much love to all.”