Infantino hits back at World Cup 2026 critics as FIFA chief defends ‘historic’ tournament

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has delivered a robust defence of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the expanded tournament united millions of supporters around the globe despite months of criticism over its organisation and political backdrop.

In a lengthy statement released after the competition, Infantino described the finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States as the most successful World Cup in FIFA history, while accusing critics of overlooking football’s ability to bring people together.

“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.

FIFA chief criticises ‘hate and false rumours’

The FIFA president directed some of his strongest comments at journalists and online critics, claiming they had focused on negativity rather than the experiences of supporters throughout the tournament.

“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 World Cup showcased football’s unique capacity to unite people from every corner of the globe, revealing that around seven million fans from more than 200 countries attended matches across the tournament’s 16 host cities.

He said the competition passed without significant security problems, describing it as a celebration marked by “zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence, just joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness.”

Football’s message extends beyond the pitch

The FIFA boss also praised volunteers, security personnel, local authorities and the governments of Canada, Mexico and the United States for helping deliver the expanded tournament.

For African supporters and the wider global football community, Infantino argued that the competition highlighted football’s ability to rise above political divisions. He pointed to the participation of countries including Iran and Haiti, saying the tournament created moments of hope and solidarity beyond the game itself.

“Football is about peace. It’s not about politics. Football is about unity, not division,” he wrote.

Defending controversial decisions

Infantino also rejected criticism of several administrative decisions taken during the World Cup, including disciplinary matters and visa-related issues. He argued that such decisions are commonplace in many of the world’s leading domestic leagues and should not overshadow the tournament itself.

He ended his statement with an appeal for critics to look beyond controversy and recognise football’s wider social impact.

“Our world needs love, not hate; tolerance, not division,” Infantino wrote. “May football rise above all hate.”

The FIFA president’s comments come after months of debate surrounding the organisation of the first 48-team World Cup, which was jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, but which FIFA maintains demonstrated football’s enduring power to unite people across cultures and continents.