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FIFA president Gianni Infantino has lashed out at critics of several controversies surrounding the 2026 World Cup, accusing them of "spreading hate" in a startling social media outburst.
Infantino faced scrutiny over his personal behavior during the tournament, particularly regarding his ties to United States President Trump and the circumstances around the lifting of a suspension ban for USMNT forward Folarin Balogun.
Financial concerns surrounding the tournament, the addition of hydration breaks, and travel hardships faced by players and supporters of certain nations also cast a shadow over what ultimately became a record-setting World Cup for FIFA.
In a bid to address these controversies, Infantino published a 15-page Instagram statement to nearly six million followers, with the post also shared to FIFA's eight million followers, calling on those raising concerns about the tournament to "meditate and pray" and shift their attention to the many positives.
The Key Points of Infantino's Statement
VISA Issues Facing Iran
One of the most significant pre-tournament concerns centered on tensions between the United States and Iran, which initially raised doubts over whether Iran would even be allowed to participate in the tournament this summer. President Trump had suggested Iran stay away from the World Cup "for their own safety."
Iran was ultimately allowed to compete but faced strict restrictions prohibiting them from staying within the United States throughout the tournament. Players were only granted entry the day before their matches and were required to depart shortly after the final whistle. Infantino was publicly criticized for failing to secure better conditions for the squad.
"Every city was filled with fans from every corner of the world," Infantino said. "While they celebrated, you were busy sowing seeds of hate. Our world needs love, not hate; tolerance, not division; celebration, not mourning.
"While you spread hatred, we worked relentlessly to bring two warring nations together. Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict. When the Iranian team took to the pitch, all the chants against them transformed into a single unified song. The fans became the country, they became the team, and they rallied 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.
"Nations dealing with serious health crises or other hardships were granted visas. Their teams competing and fans cheering filled millions of people back home with hope and, if only for a fleeting moment worth eternity, with joy and pride.
"You highlighted the few people denied visas while ignoring the millions who were approved, from every part of the world. Because football unites the world, and that was powerfully demonstrated this summer.
"Or when football brought Haiti to the world's stage, a country that many cannot or choose not to visit, perhaps it's time to put down your pens and keyboards and show some respect to the teams that played with heart, that competed fiercely, the countries that contributed, the fans who made the journey, and the children everywhere who dare to dream big. Maybe it's time to show some love."
Referee Controversies
"Your frustration with a handful of decisions made by the relevant authorities is understandable, but please consult the public record: such decisions are commonplace in some of the most prominent leagues," Infantino emphasized.
As Infantino notes, debates over refereeing are hardly a new phenomenon. Supporters around the world have witnessed countless instances of criticism directed at officials, and that pattern carried over into the World Cup.
A poorly handled VAR decision during an early group stage match between Switzerland and Qatar set an unfortunate tone, while FIFA and certain referees were accused of deliberately favoring Argentina on their path to the final—allegations dismissed with laughter by FIFA referee chief Pierluigi Collina.
However, the most significant controversy of all—and arguably the defining issue of the entire tournament from a soccer standpoint—arose when FIFA, following discussions with the White House and President Trump, reversed a red card issued to USMNT striker Balogun just days after confirming there would be no appeals process. A formal complaint from Norway's Football Association is anticipated.
Infantino sought to argue that similar situations are "accepted" in domestic leagues around the world.
"Indeed, 'debatable' refereeing decisions or 'unusual' disciplinary rulings such as potentially incorrect red or yellow cards or subsequent choices not to suspend players in certain situations are routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide," Infantino contended.
"It's curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticizing."
Final Message
"This FIFA World Cup celebrated humanity at its finest. We witnessed teams from smaller nations competing with pride on the grandest stage. They were composed, professional, and brought honor to their countries. Most importantly, they offered hope; hope that anyone can belong to the world, can be great in the game, regardless of their origins. We are all equal: fans, players and simply human beings.
"At FIFA, we couldn't be more proud or moved witnessing these moments of love, joy and togetherness.
"To those channeling their time and energy into hating us, please pause for a moment to reflect, meditate, pray or watch a football match and truly take in the faces, the eyes, the emotions.
"Because only our beautiful game can deliver such an extraordinary spectacle, a show where everyone becomes one and reconnects as human beings.
"To the pens and papers, to all the screens, may you find love and peace where those behind you could not.
"May you find peace; we at FIFA have found ours and we share it, by delivering the most remarkable FIFA World Cup. May football rise above all hate.
"Finally, I am incredibly proud, as FIFA President, to have played a part, however small, in this spectacle. It's a wonderful feeling!"