Infantino Blasts World Cup 2026 Critics For Spreading Hate, False Rumours

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has released a fierce defense of the 2026 World Cup, accusing detractors of being consumed by hate and spreading false rumours.

In a lengthy open letter published on July 27, 2026, the FIFA chief hit back at mounting negative coverage regarding the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

He addressed widespread backlash over high ticket costs, visa entry blocks for certain fans, and logistical issues by claiming the event achieved 100% safety and unity.

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Infantino also defended the controversial probationary suspension of US forward Folarin Balogun, which followed political lobbying and drew fierce criticism from UEFA, by arguing that such disciplinary leniency is routine in major domestic leagues.

“To all of you who missed watching kids, babies, grandparents, and parents come together for the beautiful game, I say sorry that the matches are now over and sorry that you missed all that joy and togetherness,” Infantino wrote.

“Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all.

“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.”

The build-up to the tournament had been dominated by concerns over ticket prices, geopolitical tensions, conflicts, visa restrictions and extreme summer heat across the three host nations.

Iran’s participation amid its conflict with the United States also attracted attention, while Haiti’s domestic crisis and the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo brought further scrutiny to visa and travel arrangements.

Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States amid President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration measures.

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Infantino, however, insisted FIFA worked to overcome political divisions and ensure participating countries were able to compete.

“While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war.

“Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict,” he said.

“The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace.

“It’s not about politics.”