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See the full story · 7 sourcesFIFA president Gianni Infantino and United States President Donald Trump presented Spain with the World Cup after they beat Argentina in the 2026 finale. File Photo by Christian Brunskill/UPI
July 27 (UPI) -- FIFA president Gianni Infantino took aim at critics of the 2026 World Cup, accusing them of "spreading hate and false rumors" in a long statement.
Infantino, who attended 44 matches during the tournament, posted the 881-word statement Sunday on Instagram. It also was distributed by FIFA.
"To everyone who missed our beautiful game, the emotions, the celebrations, the laughter, the crying, the deception, and the joy," Infantino wrote. "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. 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 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.
"While you hide, we are exploring the streets of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, talking with fans, engaging with people, and ensuring everyone's safety.
"While you divide, we unite."
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A post shared by Gianni Infantino - FIFA President (@gianni_infantino)
FIFA announced last week that a combined average audience of 62.8 million across Fox and Telemundo tuned in for the World Cup Final, making it the most watched soccer game in United States history. Fox also said that two of the tournament's 104 matches drew more than 30 million viewers, five surpassed 20 million and 11 eclipsed 15 million.
"Seven million people from over 200 countries enjoyed the tournament across 16 fantastic cities and stadiums: zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence, just joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness," Infantino wrote. "All were safe, secure, and happy.
"Billions worldwide watched the FIFA World Cup from home, sharing moments of love for the game with friends and family, moments filled with joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness."
Matches for the first expanded, 48-team World Cup were held from June 11 through July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico, complicating travel and resulting in visa issues for some team officials, staff members, fans and a referee.
Infantino wrote that FIFA "experienced no violence, no incidents," and "100% safety and security, only joy and happiness" during the tournament.
"Every city was packed with fans from all around the globe," Infantino wrote. "While they celebrated, you were busy planting seeds of hate. Our world needs love, not hate; tolerance, not division; celebration, not mourning.
"While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war. Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict. When the Iranian team began playing, all the chants against them turned into a single song. The fans became the country, they became the team, and they stood behind Team Melli. This is the power of football. The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace. It's not about politics. Football is about unity, not division. Football is bigger than hate and discrimination.
"Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas. Their teams competing and fans cheering filled millions of people back home with hope and, if only for a moment worth eternity, with joy and pride.
"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."
Infantino, who also was criticized after American Folarin Balogun had his one-game match ban suspended after the President Donald Trump called him to discuss the matter, did not specifically address that situation, but said it was "understandable" to have dissatisfaction from "a few decisions."
Belgium, Norway, England and UEFA were among chief critics of the Balogun ruling. The Egyptian Football Association also criticized referees for their performance during Egypt's loss to Argentina in the Round of 16.
Critics, including La Liga president Javier Tebas, have called on Infantino to resign in the wake of the tournament. Ticket pricing and the use of in-game hydration breaks were among other issues critics raised during the competition.
"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," Infantino wrote.
"Indeed, 'arguable' referees' decisions or 'strange' disciplinary rulings such as for instance 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.
"It's curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticizing."
Infantino said FIFA "couldn't be more proud or emotional" from witnessing the moments of "love, joy and unity" from the tournament.
"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," Infantino wrote.
"Because only our beautiful game can deliver such an extraordinary show, a show where everyone becomes one and reconnects as humans. To the pens and papers, to all the screens, may you find love and peace where the pe...
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