2026-07-27 09:09:50

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has suggested that critics of the 2026 World Cup are “consumed by hate”.

The head of world football’s governing body has defended the recent tournament held in the United States, Canada and Mexico in an Instagram post that appeared to take aim journalists who had criticsed controversies at the World Cup – including the expensive ticket prices, visa restrictions affecting travelling fans and the decision to reverse US striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban for a red card following the intervention of President Donald Trump.

In the post that was shared on both his personal account and FIFA’s official page, Infantino penned: “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.

“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.”

The FIFA chief claimed that the tournament “experienced no violence, no incidents, 100 per cent safety and security, only joy and happiness” as he thanked the governments of the US, Canada and Mexico for delivering what he called “the most outstanding FIFA World Cup”.

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

Although he didn’t refer to the Balogun incident directly, Infantino wrote that “‘strange’ disciplinary rulings” were “routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide”.

He added: “It’s curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising.”

Infantino implored the governing body’s critics to concentrate on the ability that football has to unite people.

The FIFA boss penned: “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.

“May football rise above all hate.”

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