FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hit back at critics of the World Cup, accusing them of spreading hate and false narratives while defending the event as a success that celebrated unity, security and inclusion.
In an open letter printed on Monday, Infantino, 56, said detractors had neglected the pleasure and togetherness skilled by hundreds of thousands of followers around the world who witnessed the event, won by Spain and staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“You were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” he said.
President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino with the World Cup trophy during the trophy presentation on July 19, 2026. REUTERS
“To these behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumors, I need to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the entrance traces organizing, working arduous, and delivering the greatest present in the world.
“We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness!”
FIFA confronted criticism over a quantity of points during the event, including debate over US visa restrictions affecting supporters and officers from several nations and issues involving groups from conflict-hit areas.
Infantino’s letter also adopted scrutiny of FIFA’s dealing with of the Folarin Balogun disciplinary case, a resolution to droop the computerized one-match ban imposed on him after his purple card against Bosnia and Herzegovina following the intervention of US President Donald Trump.
Officiating selections in Argentina’s match against Egypt also generated widespread debate among followers and pundits.
United States’ Folarin Balogun (20) fouls Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic (4), ensuing in a purple card go Balogun, during the World Cup spherical of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., close to San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
Though Infantino did not refer to particular circumstances, he argued that many of the refereeing and disciplinary selections criticised during the event were commonplace in varied competitions worldwide.
“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,” he added.
“It’s curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticizing.”
President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino after the FIFA World Cup Final sport at MetLife Stadium, Jul 19, 2026, East Rutherford, NJ. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
VISA CONTROVERSIES
Infantino pointed to the participation of nations going through political tensions, home disaster and home well being challenges as proof of soccer’s capability to transcend divisions.
While Iran’s participation came against the backdrop of battle with the US, points surrounding Haiti’s home disaster and the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo also drew consideration to visa and journey restrictions.
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan attends a welcome ceremony after returning to Mogadishu, Somalia, on June 10, 2026. Anadolu via Getty Images
Somali World Cup referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was barred from getting into the US despite having a legitimate visa.
“Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict. The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace. It’s not about politics,” he said.
“Countries going through severe well being points or other challenges were granted visas.
“When football brought Haiti to the world, a country that many cannot or choose not to visit, it might be time to set aside your pens and keyboards and show some respect to the teams that played.”
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