The FIFA president attacks critics of the World Cup.

Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, directed sharp criticism at skeptics and detractors of the 2026 World Cup, urging them to "reflect and pray," while praising the success of the tournament.

Infantino rejected the criticisms directed at FIFA and the World Cup, accusing opponents of "spreading hate and false rumors."

The FIFA president explained in a lengthy post on his Instagram account today, Monday, that the tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada was "the most prominent edition in World Cup history," and "celebrated humanity in its finest form."

Infantino suggested to the critics to "take a moment to think, or reflect, or pray, or watch a football match," because "our world needs love, not hate, tolerance, not division, celebration, not mourning"; he highlighted the peaceful atmosphere witnessed in the 16 stadiums hosting the World Cup, noting that billions around the world followed the competition held from June 11 to July 19.

The FIFA president said: "I'm sorry that the matches are over now, and I'm sorry that you wasted all that joy and connection. I'm sorry that you were completely consumed by hate and criticism to the point that you missed all of that," adding that FIFA continued its work instead of succumbing to rumors, and he added: "While you were spreading hate, we worked tirelessly to unite countries divided by conflicts," citing the Iranian national team's entry into the United States "without any incidents or disputes."

Infantino did not address the criticisms from the Iranian delegation regarding the visa restrictions imposed by U.S. authorities, or the entry ban affecting Somali referee Omar Artan, but emphasized that millions faced no obstacles in obtaining visas.

The FIFA president also downplayed the significance of criticisms regarding refereeing and disciplinary decisions, which peaked after the cancellation of the suspension resulting from the red card given to American player Folarin Balogun following an intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump, considering it "surprising" that such criticisms came from countries where such practices are "routine and widely accepted."

Infantino concluded his statements by saying: "Football is about unity, not division. Football is bigger than hate and discrimination," affirming his feeling of "indescribable pride" in contributing to this achievement.