In brief
During the 2026 World Cup, FIFA president Gianni Infantino released a 15‑slide Instagram post that called on critics to stop spreading hate and watch the tournament instead. He praised the event’s safety record, said Iran’s participation was a success, and defended political decisions like the lifting of a ban on US striker Folarin Balogun. FIFA is investigating several controversies – from visa delays for Iranian teams to allegations of racist abuse at matches – while Infantino demands respect for the game and urges everyone to focus on the unity football can bring.
Infantino - a challenge to critics
Executive President Gianni Infantino has issued a direct response to the loudest critics of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His message, posted on Instagram and soon shown to the federation’s eight million followers, urges detractors to stop spreading hate and false rumours and to instead watch the tournament. Infantino describes the event as “the greatest event on earth” and claims it achieved full safety, while he declares “only joy and happiness” prevailed.
Safe and joyous event
Infantino states that the World Cup’s security was flawless, highlighting that no violence or incidents occurred during the competition. He applauds FIFA’s work, particularly the cooperation between the United States and Iran, pointing out that the Iranian team entered the country “without incident or conflict” and was able to play its matches. The president dismisses the frequent complaints about visa delays and other logistical issues, describing those problems as isolated episodes in an otherwise successful event.
Political interference and other controversies
One of the most talked‑about disputes involves the lifting of a suspended ban on American striker Folarin Balogun. FIFA says the decision was driven by political pressure, citing the president of the United States. Infantino accepts that such rulings are “routine” in top leagues but criticises outrage from countries that enact similar policies.
Not all problems have been ignored. FIFA is pursuing investigations into incidents that occurred after the final match. Cases include alleged altercations between Argentine and Spanish teams, accusations of racist abuse towards social media influencer IShowSpeed, and the arrest of fans in several games, including those involving England’s semi‑final. The police presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement at World Cup venues also sparked debate on the day’s safety measures.
Infantino’s plea
In a final nod to the grand spectacle, Infantino wrote that “people came together as families, fans, as one.” He pends that the abundant empathy, joy and unity displayed during the championship is a rare opportunity for humanity. The president closed his message urging those who criticized the event to “take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match” and to recognize “the faces, the eyes, the emotions.”
