FIFA President Gianni Infantino Slams World Cup Critics for Spreading Hate

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has launched a scathing defense of the 2026 World Cup, accusing critics of “spreading hate” and dismissing controversies as “false rumours” in a social media post that drew comparisons to former U.S. President Donald Trump. The statement, published on Instagram, came after a tournament marked by visa disputes, officiating decisions, and allegations of political interference, with Infantino framing the event as a “success” despite widespread criticism.

Infantino’s 880-word essay, shared on both his personal and FIFA accounts, claimed the World Cup saw “zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence” and emphasized the “joy and togetherness” of fans from 200 countries. He thanked host nations Canada, Mexico, and the United States, as well as police and volunteers, for ensuring “100% safety and security.” The post also addressed specific controversies, including the suspension of U.S. Striker Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban following a call from Trump, which allowed him to play in the last-16 match against Belgium.

“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,” Infantino wrote. “Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all.” He accused critics of “spreading hate and false rumours” while praising FIFA’s efforts to “unite two countries at war,” citing Iran’s participation in the U.S. As evidence. However, reports highlighted that only four of 15 Iranian staff members were granted visas, and the team was forced to relocate training to Mexico due to entry restrictions.

The statement also defended the exclusion of Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied a U.S. Visa ahead of the tournament. Infantino argued that “a few people denied visas” were insignificant compared to the “millions who were approved,” claiming football “unites the world.” This contrasted with reports of fans from Iran, Haiti, and Somalia being barred from entering the U.S., with some describing the situation as a failure of the tournament’s inclusivity.

Infantino’s rhetoric drew sharp criticism, with outlets like the mirror.co.uk comparing his tone to Trump’s “rambling” style and accusing him of “wilfully deceptive propaganda.” The article noted that four people died during World Cup celebrations in Mexico City and that the Balogun case—where a disciplinary decision was overturned after a high-profile intervention—was labeled “arbitrary” by observers. “It’s curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising,” Infantino wrote, deflecting scrutiny of FIFA’s handling of the incident.

The post also urged critics to “meditate, pray or watch football,” a phrase cited by multiple outlets as a direct echo of Trump’s rhetoric. jang.com.pk reported Infantino defending Trump’s visa policies, while aol.com highlighted his claim that the tournament’s “unprecedented” success overshadowed controversies. However, the mirror.co.uk piece emphasized the disconnect between Infantino’s assertions and on-the-ground realities, including the exclusion of key figures and post-match violence in Mexico.

The article underscores a broader divide between FIFA’s official narrative and the experiences of critics, fans, and participants. While Infantino celebrated the tournament’s scale and safety, reports highlighted systemic issues, including visa restrictions, officiating controversies, and the politicization of football. As the World Cup concludes, the tension between these perspectives remains unresolved, with Infantino’s rhetoric reflecting a defiant stance against mounting scrutiny.