Gianni Infantino blasts World Cup critics for 'spreading hate' in remarkable rant | OneFootball

FIFA president tells critics to ‘meditate and pray’ as he issues defiant open letter

Gianni Infantino has launched an extraordinary defence of FIFA’s handling of the World Cup, accusing critics of “spreading hate and false rumours” and telling them to “reflect, meditate and pray”.

The expanded 48-team men’s 2026 tournament - co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico - finished last weekend when Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the final after extra time.

It was a competition full of off-field drama, headlines and controversy, most notably surrounding ticket prices, the introduction of hydration breaks, the situation regarding Iran’s participation amid their conflict with the USA and the shock suspension of USA striker Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban.

Infantino himself has been subject to stern criticism, but in a remarkable 890-word open letter posted both by FIFA and also by Infantino via a 15-slide Instagram message, he insisted the World Cup was a roaring success.

Infantino, who has been FIFA president since 2016, said: “To everyone who missed our beautiful game, the emotions, the celebrations, the laughter, the crying, the deception, and the joy.

“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.

Defiant: FIFA president Gianni Infantino has issued a blistering rebuke to World Cup critics

AFP/Getty

“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.

“While you hide, we are exploring the streets of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, talking with fans, engaging with people, and ensuring everyone’s safety. While you divide, we unite.

“People came together as families, as fans, as one. We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness!

“Seven million people from over 200 countries enjoyed the tournament across 16 fantastic cities and stadiums: zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence, just joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness. All were safe, secure, and happy.”

The letter continued: “Every city was packed with fans from all around the globe. While they celebrated, you were busy planting seeds of hate.

“Our world needs love, not hate; tolerance, not division; celebration, not mourning. While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war.”

Writing further on Iran’s participation at the World Cup, Infantino said the team “entered the United States without incident or conflict”, adding: “When the Iranian team began playing, all the chants against them turned into a single song.

“The fans became the country, they became the team, and they stood behind Team Melli. This is the power of football.

“The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace. It’s not about politics. Football is about unity, not division. Football is bigger than hate and discrimination.”

Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all

FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s message to World Cup critics

On the subject of individuals who were denied visas - a list that included Somali referee Omar Artan - Infantino said: “Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas.

“Their teams competing and fans cheering filled millions of people back home with hope and, if only for a moment worth eternity, with joy and pride.

“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.”

Infantino added to critics that “it might be time to set aside your pens and keyboards” and “show some love”.

He also alluded to the FIFA disciplinary committee’s hugely controversial decision to suspend USA striker Balogun’s red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina for 12 months after an intervention by US President Donald Trump, which allowed him to play in the last-16 defeat by Belgium.

“Your dissatisfaction with a few decisions made by the competent authorities is understandable, but please refer to public records: such decisions are common in some of the most important leagues, Infantino said.

“Indeed, "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.”

Infantino also praised the governments of the respective host nations, writing: “All of this was made possible thanks to the governments of the three host countries and their tremendous contributions.”