In brief
FIFA President Gianni Infantino responded to critics of the 2026 World Cup with a 15‑slide Instagram post, urging detractors to meditate, pray or watch football instead of spreading hate. He praised the tournament’s safety, unity, and “greatest event on earth” while dismissing visa delays and political lobbying over match rules, particularly the lifting of a ban on U.S. forward Folarin Balogun. The post also touched on Iran’s successful participation amid conflict with the United States and defended FIFA’s handling of officiating after allegations of political interference. Analysts argue Infantino’s outburst reflects a siege mentality that may alienate those demanding accountability for controversies ranging from visa denials to alleged racism and interference in sportsmanship. Nonetheless, the president maintains his confidence in the World Cup’s achievements and his own leadership, ahead of his re‑election campaign.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has told critics of the 2026 World Cup to “meditate, pray or watch a football match” instead of spreading hate and false rumours about the governing body and the tournament.
In a 15‑slide Instagram post that was reshared on FIFA’s eight‑million‑strong Instagram following, Infantino addressed the “those behind the pens… behind the screens”, calling them busy planting seeds of hate while FIFA delivered “the greatest event on earth.”
Infantino highlighted the World Cup’s record ticket sales, its massive security operation and its celebration of humanity at its best, stressing that the 2026 tournament “celebrated humanity at its best” and that it had “100 % safety and security, only joy and happiness.”
The president downplayed a range of controversies, including Iran’s participation despite being caught in a conflict with its co‑hosts, the United States. He praised FIFA for “united two countries at war” and insisted that Iran played without incident.
Infantino’s remarks mirrored criticism of the political interference alleged in the suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s ban, a decision that was removed by FIFA after lobbying by President Donald Trump. He dismissed these concerns as “routine and widely accepted” in major leagues and called on critics to “show some love and respect” for the tournament’s unifying spirit.
Additional concerns raised in the lead‑up to the World Cup included visa delays for Iranian staff, the revoking of tickets for Iranian fans, and travel restrictions imposed on various teams and officials. The president’s post also touched on the lack of incidents for the tournament, noting that there were “zero incidents, zero violence” during matches.
Infantino’s outburst has been described by analysts as evidence of a siege mentality that may reinforce divisions. It underscores the tension between FIFA’s desire to highlight achievements and the growing scrutiny over political, logistical and officiating controversies surrounding the event.
Infantino concluded the post by urging those who missed the football to “watch a football match and truly observe the faces, the eyes, the emotions,” emphasizing that love, tolerance and unity are the hallmarks of the beautiful game.
