The president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, released a 900-word statement on Monday to attack the critics of the 2026 World Cup, a week after Spain was crowned champion by defeating Argentina in the final.
The text, published on the organization's website and its Instagram account, is distinctly defensive and directly targets journalists and commentators. "I regret that they were so consumed by hatred and criticism that they missed everything," wrote Infantino, addressing "those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hatred and false rumors."
Infantino described the tournament as a generator of "joy and unity" and contrasted the attitude of the fans with that of their detractors: "Every city was packed with fans from all over the world. While they celebrated, you were busy sowing seeds of hatred."
The statement came following a tournament marked by multiple controversies of significant international impact.
The most notable was FIFA's decision to postpone the suspension of American forward Folarin Balogun, who received a direct red card in the round of 16 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. This measure allowed him to play in the quarter-finals against Belgium and was linked to a call from President Donald Trump to Infantino, which the president himself publicly acknowledged.
Regarding that episode, Infantino merely pointed out that "subsequent decisions not to sanction players in certain situations are routine," without yet releasing the written ruling from his disciplinary judge. UEFA denounced that FIFA "crossed a red line," and Belgium filed a formal protest.
Another controversy was the situation with Iran, whose delegation faced U.S. visa denials that forced the team to move its base of operations from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico. Infantino defended the organization's management: "Iran entered the United States without incidents or conflicts. While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to bring together two countries at war."
Regarding the visas denied to fans —including Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, the famous Congolese supporter known for his statue, who had to follow the tournament from Mexico— the president of FIFA argued that his critics "mentioned the few people who were denied visas and overlooked the millions who were granted them."
The statement also overlooked other widespread complaints during the tournament, such as the ticket prices that reached $32,970 for the best seats at the final, or the initial ban on reusable water bottles in the stadiums.
The text reflects Infantino's increasingly tense relationship with the media. His press conference in Mexico City on June 10 was the first with full attendance of international media since March 2023. At a previous press conference in Rwanda, following his re-election by acclamation, he even asked journalists, "Why are you all so mean to me?"
The statement concluded with a call for reflection aimed at its critics and a phrase that encapsulated the tone of the text: "Much love for everyone."
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