FIFA chief Infantino hits back at World Cup critics, accuses them of hate

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hit back at critics of the 2026 World Cup, accusing them of spreading hate and false narratives while defending the tournament as a celebration of happiness, unity and togetherness. In an open letter, Infantino said critics had overlooked the joy shared by millions of fans during the tournament, staged across 16 host cities in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Defending the Tournament

Infantino claimed the tournament experienced "no violence, no incidents" and provided "100% safety and security," crediting the host countries' governments and volunteers. He said 7 million spectators from more than 200 countries attended, with billions more watching worldwide. He directly addressed critics, saying: "Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all."

Visa and Refereeing Controversies

The tournament faced criticism over US travel restrictions, including a Somali referee barred from entry and Iran's team facing visa issues. Infantino argued Iran's participation showed football's ability to overcome divisions, saying: "The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace." He also defended FIFA's disciplinary decisions, including the suspension of a ban for US striker Folarin Balogun, which had drawn accusations of political interference.