FIFA faced criticism over several issues during the tournament, including controversy over US visa restrictions for teams.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hit back at critics of the 2026 World Cup, accusing them of spreading hate and false narratives while defending the tournament as a success celebrating “happiness, unity, security and unity.”
In an open letter published on Instagram on Monday, Infantino, 56, said critics had overlooked the joy and togetherness experienced by millions of fans around the world who witnessed Spain’s victory and the tournament, which was held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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“You were so overwhelmed with hate and criticism that you missed everything,” he said.
“To those who are spreading hate and false rumors behind pen and paper and behind the screen, I want to say this: While you are sitting in the back, we at FIFA are on the front lines organizing, working hard and delivering the best show in the world.
“We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security. We just felt joy and happiness.”
Infantino’s comments came less than a week after FIFA announced it was investigating an on-field altercation between Argentina and Spain players at the end of the World Cup final in New Jersey.
FIFA faced criticism over a series of issues during the tournament, including a debate over U.S. visa restrictions affecting supporters and officials from several countries, and concerns over teams from conflict zones such as Iran.
Iran, who were eliminated in the group stage, had a turbulent experience in which they had to move their training camp from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico due to the Middle East war. They also faced logistical problems traveling to and from the US for their three group matches.
Infantino’s letter comes after FIFA’s response to Folarin Balogun’s disciplinary action also came under scrutiny, with the decision, following intervention from US President Donald Trump, to suspend the automatic one-match ban imposed on the player after receiving a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The referee’s decision in the match between Argentina and Egypt also caused widespread debate among fans and experts.
Although Infantino did not cite specific examples, he argued that many of the officiating and disciplinary decisions criticized during the tournament are common in various tournaments around the world.
“The possibility of getting a red or yellow card wrong, and the subsequent decision not to ban a player in certain circumstances, is routine and widely accepted in some of the world’s biggest leagues,” he added.
“It is strange that the same countries that adopt these practices are criticizing them.”
Visa dispute
Infantino cited the participation of countries facing political tensions, domestic crises and domestic health issues as evidence of soccer’s ability to transcend divisions.
Iran’s participation came against the backdrop of its conflict with the United States, but issues surrounding Haiti’s domestic crisis and the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo also drew attention to visa and travel restrictions.
Somalia’s World Cup referee Omar Abdulkadir Altan was barred from entering the United States despite having a valid visa.
“You said that a small number of people were being refused visas and that millions of people from all over the world who were approved were being overlooked. Because football is what unites the world and that was impressively demonstrated this summer,” he said.
“Iran entered the United States without incident and without conflict. The Iranian team received an entry visa because soccer is about peace, not politics.”
Infantino’s comments were in stark contrast to comments made by Iranian head coach Amir Galenoei, who described Melli’s team as the “most repressed” team at the World Cup.
“Visas were issued to countries facing serious health problems and other challenges,” Infantino added.
“When soccer brought Haiti to the world, a country that many cannot or choose not to visit, perhaps it is time to put aside the pen and keyboard and show some respect to the team that played.”
Earlier this month, human rights group Fair Square filed a complaint with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) accusing Infantino of “repeatedly violating IOC rules on political neutrality by expressing political support for US President Donald Trump.”
However, the IOC rejected this, saying the issue was outside the jurisdiction of its ethics committee.
