FIFA president Gianni Infantino has launched an extraordinary broadside against journalists and critics following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, accusing them of “spreading hate and false rumours” and suggesting they had been too “consumed by hate and criticism” to appreciate the tournament.

In a 15-slide Instagram post, Infantino defended FIFA’s organisation of the tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico while repeatedly contrasting the work of football’s governing body with what he described as negative media coverage.

Addressing critics directly, Infantino wrote:

“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 continued:

“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.

“While you divide, we unite.”

The FIFA president also claimed that journalists had focused disproportionately on negative stories surrounding the tournament.

“Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” he wrote.

Later adding:

“While they celebrated, you were busy planting seeds of hate.”

And concluding with a direct message to the media:

“To the pens and papers, to all the screens, may you find love and peace where the people behind you couldn’t.”

Infantino defends FIFA’s handling of criticism

Throughout the post, Infantino argued the World Cup had demonstrated football’s ability to unite people across political and cultural divides.

Among his claims were that the tournament experienced:

“Zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence, just joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness.”

He also praised the three host nations, volunteers and security services, saying seven million people from more than 200 countries attended matches.

Infantino defended FIFA’s handling of visa issues, writing:

“You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved.”

He also cited Iran’s participation during a period of heightened tensions with the United States, writing:

“While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war. Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict.”

Refereeing and disciplinary decisions

Infantino also addressed criticism of refereeing and FIFA disciplinary decisions.

He wrote:

“Indeed, ‘arguable’ referees’ decisions or ‘strange’ disciplinary rulings such as for instance 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.”

Adding:

“It’s curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising.”

What actually happened at the FIFA World Cup?

Although the tournament was widely praised for its atmosphere and produced few major crowd disturbances, it was not without controversy.

Several fan groups and civil liberties organisations criticised visa restrictions that prevented some supporters from travelling to the United States, while concerns were also raised before and during the tournament about immigration enforcement and the impact those policies could have on international visitors.

FIFA also faced criticism over several refereeing and disciplinary decisions during the competition, while individual incidents involving crowd behaviour and fan arrests did occur, despite Infantino’s claim of “zero incidents.”

The FIFA president nevertheless insisted the tournament represented “humanity at its best,” ending his message by writing:

“At FIFA, we couldn’t be more proud or emotional witnessing these moments of love, joy, and unity.”

“Finally I am incredibly proud, as FIFA President, to have contributed, even a little, to this show. It’s a great feeling!”

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