Infantino Attacks World Cup Critics

FIFA President Gianni Infantino launched a scathing attack on World Cup critics, claiming they were “consumed by hatred” and advising them to “meditate, pray, or watch a football match” to “find peace.” Following the official conclusion of the six-week tournament, Infantino used the opportunity to address his detractors via a 15-slide Instagram post, seemingly defending a number of controversies that arose during the summer competition. Infantino, who held no press conference at either the start or end of the World Cup, began his tirade by addressing those “who missed our beautiful game, the emotions, the celebrations, the laughter, the tears, the disappointment, and the joy.” He stated that those who “missed” the tournament were “so consumed by hatred and criticism.” The FIFA chief claimed critics were sitting “behind their pens and papers, behind their screens, spreading hatred and false rumors.”

“I want to say that while you sit back, we at FIFA are on the front lines, organizing, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world,” he continued.

Online critics, however, were quick to point out a number of violent incidents that occurred as a direct result of the six-week summer tournament. In fact, the opening day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was marred by violent protests, with riot police using tear gas against demonstrators ahead of Mexico's match against South Africa.

The mass demonstrations were fueled by a coalition of multiple unions and activist groups who marched to draw global attention to the country's serious domestic issues. Among the most prominent mobilizing groups were collectives of searching mothers, the CNTE teachers' union, federal judiciary workers, and various transport organizations. A total of eight simultaneous protests reportedly took place.

Beyond the tournament's opening day, there were also a number of violent incidents in fan zones and during post-match celebrations worldwide. Most tragically, Infantino's claim of “zero incidents” overlooked the deaths of four supporters in Mexico City who suffocated during chaotic street celebrations following Mexico's victory over Ecuador in the Round of 32.

While Infantino had previously offered condolences on social media the day after the tragedy, his 15-slide post made no mention of the victims while he boasted about the tournament's safety.

Meanwhile, other fans noted that FIFA chose to proceed with the tournament despite supporters from four participating nations – Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast – facing travel bans to the US imposed by the Trump administration. In another instance, Somali referee Omar Artan saw his dreams of officiating a World Cup match shattered after he was barred from entering the US on the eve of the tournament.

The Trump administration then made a shocking statement that Artan, who was named Africa's best male referee last year, was denied entry due to terrorism concerns.

“You mentioned a few people who were denied visas, and you overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world. Because football unites the world, and this was impressively demonstrated this summer.”

Elsewhere in his social media tirade, Infantino stated that “Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict.” However, fans noted that only four of the fifteen members of the Iranian team staff who were initially denied visas later received permission to travel to the country.

Infantino also appeared to take a direct swipe at critics regarding the mid-tournament storm surrounding Donald Trump and US national team striker Folarin Balogun. The striker was sent off during the US's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, meaning he was due to be suspended for their next match against Belgium. However, on the eve of the match, FIFA announced it had postponed his suspension, sparking widespread anger among fans worldwide.

It later emerged that Trump had called Infantino, who had previously presented the US President with an inaugural FIFA Peace Award, and requested the case be reviewed, leading fans to level accusations of political interference.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino commented on the ensuing scandal, writing: “Indeed, 'controversial' refereeing decisions or 'strange' disciplinary rulings, such as potentially incorrect red or yellow cards, or subsequent decisions not to punish players in certain situations, are routine practice and widely accepted in some of the world's biggest leagues.”

“It's curious that the very nations engaging in these practices are the ones leveling criticism,” the FIFA chief added on the matter.

The unprecedented decision sparked angry accusations of political favoritism from UEFA, the Belgian Football Association, and countless European lawmakers. The Norwegian Football Federation also confirmed its plans to file an official complaint regarding Trump's role in the decision.

Infantino concluded his tirade by advising his critics to step away from their computers and find peace.

“To those who spend their time and energy hating us, please take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match and truly observe the faces, eyes, emotions,” he concluded. “To the pens and paper, to all the screens, may you find love and peace where the people behind you could not. May you find peace; we at FIFA have found ours and are delivering it by organizing the most remarkable FIFA World Cup. May football rise above all hatred.”