FIFA President defends World Cup against critics

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the 2026 World Cup against criticism, accusing detractors of spreading hate and false narratives while describing the tournament as a celebration of unity, safety and inclusion.

In an open letter published on Monday, Infantino said critics had overlooked the joy and togetherness experienced by millions of fans who watched the tournament, which was won by Spain and hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"You were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all," Infantino said.

"To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumors, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organizing, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world."

He added that the tournament experienced no major security issues, saying, "We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness."

FIFA faced criticism during the tournament over several issues, including U.S. visa restrictions affecting supporters and officials from some countries, as well as concerns involving teams from conflict-affected regions.

Infantino's comments also came after scrutiny over FIFA's handling of the Folarin Balogun disciplinary case. The governing body suspended the automatic one-match ban given to Balogun after his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina following intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Refereeing decisions during Argentina's match against Egypt also sparked debate among fans and analysts.

Although Infantino did not mention specific incidents, he said some of the refereeing and disciplinary decisions criticized during the tournament were common in football competitions around the world.

"Potentially mistaken red or yellow cards or subsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations are routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide," he said.

"It's curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticizing."

Visa Controversies

Infantino highlighted the participation of teams from countries facing political tensions, domestic crises and health challenges as proof of football's ability to bring people together.

Iran's participation came amid tensions between Tehran and Washington, while concerns involving Haiti's domestic situation and the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo also drew attention to travel and visa restrictions.

Somali World Cup referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was reportedly prevented from entering the United States despite holding a valid visa.

"Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict. The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace. It's not about politics," Infantino said.

"Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas."

He added that football's ability to bring global attention to countries facing difficulties should be respected.

"When football brought Haiti to the world, a country that many cannot or choose not to visit, it might be time to set aside your pens and keyboards and show some respect to the teams that played," Infantino said.

-Reporting by Suramya Kaushik in Bengaluru; Editing by Alex Richardson/Reuters