FIFA President hits back at 2026 World Cup critics
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly criticized those who questioned the 2026 FIFA World Cup, accusing them of spreading "hatred and false rumors" instead of appreciating the excitement and unity created by the tournament.
In a lengthy message posted on social media, Infantino defended FIFA's organization of the World Cup, saying critics had missed the joy the competition brought to millions of people, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.
"To everyone who missed seeing children, babies, grandparents and parents coming together for the most beautiful game, I am sorry that the matches are over and that you missed all that joy and unity. I am sorry that you were so consumed by hatred and criticism that you failed to see it," Infantino wrote.
The FIFA president also addressed journalists and critics who questioned the tournament's organization, arguing that those commenting from afar did not witness the work carried out behind the scenes.
"While you sat behind your screens spreading hatred and false rumors, we at FIFA were on the front line organizing, working hard and delivering the greatest show on Earth," he said.
Infantino insisted that the 2026 World Cup was held without any major security issues, highlighting what he described as a safe and positive atmosphere throughout the tournament.
"We experienced zero violence, zero incidents, 100 percent safety and security—only joy and happiness," he said, adding that around 7 million fans from more than 200 countries attended matches across 16 host cities.
Despite those claims, the tournament also faced controversy, including visa-related issues affecting fans and officials from several countries, as well as criticism over some of FIFA's disciplinary decisions.
Without directly referring to the case involving U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, Infantino defended football authorities, saying controversial refereeing and disciplinary decisions are common even in the world's biggest domestic leagues.
He concluded by urging critics to view football as a force for unity.
"For those who spend their time and energy hating us, please take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match and look at the faces, the eyes and the emotions," Infantino said.
Photo: White House
