In brief
In a recent Instagram post, FIFA chief Gianni Infantino urged players, national teams and media to stop spreading hate and instead celebrate the sport during the 2026 World Cup. He insisted the tournament ran flawlessly, with zero violence, and praised the unity it brought between nations such as Iran and the United States. In response to critics—some blaming political interference over Folarin Balogun’s ban and visa restrictions for fans—Infantino framed them as “haters.” The press has been preoccupied with logistical controversies, ranging from US political pressure to accusations of racism. Critics worry that Infantino’s defensive stance signals FIFA’s unwillingness to address legitimate concerns.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino delivered a sharp response to detractors on his Instagram story after the 2026 World Cup began. He urged those “spreading hate and false rumours” to meditate or simply watch a match, stressing how the tournament had demonstrated “no violence, only joy.”
The post reshaped the narrative around high‑profile disputes – from the United States’ visa restrictions that left Iranian fans stranded to the political pressure that lifted a ban on England striker Folarin Balogun. Infantino dismissed these concerns, describing them as noise that “missed all the emotion and celebration” of the event.
While he praised the organisation of a record‑topping tournament, critics argue that Infantino’s criticism of media—and his own defensive rhetoric—illustrate FIFA’s siege mentality. He claims that similar decisions “are routine in some of the biggest leagues worldwide” and points out that it was rare for a player to escape suspension.
The World Cup’s success notwithstanding, lawsuits, arrests of fans, and diplomatic clashes have cast a shadow over the event. More on the World Cup
Infantino ends with a call for unity: “Whenever the world was busy planting seeds of hate, people chose to connect as one.” He said he is proud to have helped deliver one of the greatest spectacles on Earth.
