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FIFA president Gianni Infantino has launched a scathing attack on critics of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, accusing them of "spreading hate" and ignoring what he described as the tournament's overwhelming success.
Infantino and FIFA have come under heavy criticism over the controversies that plagued the 2026 FIFA World Cup, such as visa issues, outside forces influencing FIFA's decision-making, and officiating troubles.
However, the FIFA President has slammed the critics of the tournament.
In a lengthy message, Infantino defended FIFA's handling of the World Cup, stating that 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.
"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."
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.
Infantino also urged critics to focus on what he described as football's ability to unite people.
"To those spending their time and energy hating us, please take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match and truly observe the faces, the eyes, the emotions," he wrote.
"May football rise above all hate."
