FIFA's Gianni Infantino slams World Cup critics for 'spreading hate' - ESPN

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FIFA president Gianni Infantino has launched a scathing attack on critics of the 2026 World Cup, accusing them of being "consumed by hate" and saying they should "reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match."

In a lengthy message published after the tournament, Infantino defended FIFA's handling of the World Cup, claimed critics had "missed all that joy and togetherness" and said they had been "spreading hate and false rumours" instead of celebrating football.

The post, which appeared to take aim at journalists and was shared on both Infantino's personal Instagram account and FIFA's official channels, came after a World Cup that saw controversy over United States visa restrictions affecting supporters and officials from several competing nations, the suspension of American player Folarin Balogun 's automatic one-match ban after intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump, and investigations into World Cup ticket pricing.

"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," Infantino wrote.

"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."

Infantino also claimed the World Cup experienced "no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness," adding that 7 million people from more than 200 countries attended matches across the tournament.

The FIFA president thanked the governments of hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States, along with police forces and volunteers, for helping deliver what he described as "the most outstanding FIFA World Cup."

Much of Infantino's statement appeared to respond to controversies that surrounded the tournament.

FIFA faced criticism over U.S. travel restrictions that affected supporters and officials from several competing nations, including Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast. Somali referee Omar Artan also was unable to enter the United States after being denied a visa.

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Infantino defended the handling of visas, writing: "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."

He also appeared to reference criticism surrounding disciplinary decisions during the tournament, including FIFA's decision to suspend Balogun's automatic one-match ban after the U.S. striker was sent off against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Trump later revealed he had spoken to Infantino about Balogun's case before FIFA confirmed the striker would be eligible to face Belgium. FIFA has maintained its independent disciplinary committee made the decision, but the ruling prompted accusations of political interference from UEFA, the Belgian Football Association and European lawmakers.

Without referring to the incident directly, Infantino wrote that "'arguable' referees' decisions or "'strange' disciplinary rulings" were "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," he added.

The Norwegian Football Federation has since confirmed it intends to make a formal complaint to FIFA over Trump's role in the Balogun case.

Infantino is also coming under scrutiny from some in the U.S. Congress. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, sent Infantino a letter on Sunday seeking documents detailing ties between FIFA and the Trump administration. A representative for FIFA didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter.

Infantino also urged critics to focus on what he described as football's ability to unite people.