Infantino accuses World Cup critics of 'spreading hate', tells them to meditate or pray
FIFA President Gianni Infantino used a 15-slide Instagram post to accuse media and critics of spreading hate, defending the 2026 World Cup as a safe, unifying event while dismissing the Balogun ban, Iran tensions and visa rows.
The Instagram outburst
A week after Spain beat Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino published a 15-slide message on his personal Instagram account, reposted by FIFA to its eight million followers. He accused media and critics of "spreading hate and false rumours" and said they had missed the joy of a tournament that "celebrated humanity at its best". Comments on the post were disabled, mirroring his practice of not taking questions at press conferences.
To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world.
He told detractors to "meditate, pray or watch a football match" instead of wasting energy on hate. The Independent described the message as a "Trump-like rant".
Defending the tournament
Infantino said seven million fans from over 200 countries attended matches across 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He claimed the event saw "zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence" and thanked the host nations, police forces and volunteers. Blick reported a global television audience of more than five billion.
We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness!
He added: "While you divide, we unite. People came together as families, as fans, as one."
Controversies dismissed
The tournament was dogged by criticism over US visa restrictions, high ticket prices and officiating. Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry shortly before kick-off. Infantino argued that only a few visas were refused while millions were granted, including for travellers from countries facing health crises such as the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and domestic turmoil in Haiti.
The most explosive row centred on US striker Folarin Balogun. Sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, he faced an automatic one-match ban for the last-16 tie with Belgium. President Donald Trump called Infantino to request a review, and the suspension was lifted. Infantino insisted the disciplinary committee acted independently and that such decisions are routine.
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.
He added: "It's curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising." Officiating in Argentina's match against Egypt also drew widespread debate.
Iran and the politics of unity
Infantino pointed to Iran's participation despite the conflict with co-host the United States as proof that football transcends divisions. He said FIFA "worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war" and that Iran entered the US "without incident or conflict". Iran's head coach Amir Ghalenoei contradicted that portrayal.
We were the most oppressed team at this World Cup.
Infantino maintained that football is about unity, not politics.
Wider reaction
On Friday the IOC Ethics Commission rejected a complaint by human rights group FairSquare against Infantino. His Instagram post drew comparisons with the communication style of Trump, whom he has described as a friend. Infantino ended his message by urging critics to focus on the game itself rather than on what he called false narratives.
