Rabat – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has issued a strongly worded response to critics of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defending the tournament’s organization.
Infantino accused detractors of focusing on negativity instead of what he described as football’s power to unite people.
In a lengthy message shared after the tournament concluded, Infantino reflected on what he called the “most successful FIFA World Cup” in history, while addressing criticism that surrounded the competition before and during the tournament.
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“To everyone who missed our beautiful game, the emotions, the celebrations, the laughter, the crying, the deception, and the joy… I say sorry that you missed all that joy and togetherness,” Infantino wrote.
The FIFA president reserved some of his strongest remarks for journalists and online critics, claiming they had focused on “hate and false rumours” rather than the tournament itself.
“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,” he said. “While you divide, we unite.”
Infantino argued that the tournament brought together supporters from around the world without major security concerns.
According to his statement, approximately seven million spectators from more than 200 countries attended matches across the 16 host cities, with “zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence, just joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness.”
He hailed volunteers, police forces, local authorities, and the governments of Canada, Mexico, and the United States for their role in delivering the tournament.
Beyond football, Infantino suggested the World Cup had demonstrated the sport’s ability to transcend politics.
He pointed to the participation of Iran, Haiti, and other nations facing political or humanitarian challenges, arguing that football had created moments of hope and unity that extended far beyond the pitch.
“Football is about peace. It’s not about politics. Football is about unity, not division,” he wrote.
Infantino also defended controversial administrative decisions taken during the tournament, including disciplinary rulings and visa-related issues, arguing that similar decisions occur regularly in many of the world’s biggest domestic leagues.
He concluded by urging critics to step away from “pens, papers and keyboards” and instead appreciate football’s ability to bring people together.
“Our world needs love, not hate; tolerance, not division,” Infantino wrote. “May football rise above all hate.”
The statement comes after months of scrutiny surrounding various organizational and political aspects of the expanded 2026 World Cup, which was jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
