International

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, has launched a strong defence of the 2026 World Cup, accusing critics of spreading “hate and false rumours” while insisting the tournament delivered “only joy and happiness.”

In a lengthy open letter published on Monday, Infantino told his detractors to “take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray,” following a tournament that faced criticism over issues including ticket prices, visa restrictions and several controversial incidents.

“Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” Infantino wrote in a message shared on his Instagram account and FIFA’s official platforms.

He said FIFA officials had been working on the front lines to organise what he described as the best show in the world, while critics remained behind their “pens and papers” and “screens”.

“We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness!” he wrote.

The build-up to the tournament, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, was overshadowed by concerns about soaring costs, geopolitical tensions, the threat of conflict and extreme summer temperatures across the three host countries.

Iran’s participation amid its war with the United States, Haiti’s domestic crisis and an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo also intensified concerns over visa and travel restrictions.

Somali referee, Omar Artan, emerged as one of the most prominent figures affected by U.S. President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies after he was denied entry into the United States.

Infantino, however, defended FIFA’s management of the tournament and said the organisation had worked to bring people together despite tensions between countries.

“While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war. Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict,” he said.

“The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace. It’s not about politics.”

He added that countries dealing with serious health challenges and other difficulties were also granted visas.

“You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world,” Infantino said.

*‘Most Oppressed’*

Infantino’s comments came in sharp contrast to remarks by Iran coach, Amir Ghalenoei, who described his team as the “most oppressed” side at the World Cup.

Iran striker, Mehdi Taremi, also described his team’s treatment during the tournament as a “disaster”.

The FIFA President further addressed criticism of officiating after it emerged that Trump had personally asked him to review a one-match suspension imposed on U.S. striker, Folarin Balogun, allowing the player to feature against Belgium in the last 16.

UEFA was among those who condemned the decision, describing the Balogun affair as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable” and saying it had “crossed a red line”.

Infantino, however, argued that controversial refereeing and disciplinary decisions were not unusual in football.

“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,” he said.

He cited disputed refereeing decisions, questionable red and yellow cards and decisions not to suspend players in certain situations as examples of incidents that occur regularly in major football leagues.

“It’s curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising,” Infantino added.