Gianni Infantino has launched a strong defence of FIFA’s handling of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, dismissing criticism surrounding the tournament and accusing detractors of spreading “hate and false rumours.” In an open letter published after Spain lifted the trophy, the FIFA president argued that the tournament achieved its objective of bringing nations together, despite widespread debate over governance, travel restrictions, refereeing decisions and disciplinary controversies. His remarks come after weeks of scrutiny over FIFA’s handling of several high-profile incidents during the competition.
Gianni Infantino says critics ignored the tournament’s success
Gianni Infantino insisted the World Cup should be remembered for its sporting achievements rather than the controversies surrounding it. He praised organisers for delivering what he described as a safe and incident-free tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
According to Infantino, critics overlooked the positive atmosphere inside stadiums and focused instead on negative narratives. He maintained that fans experienced a celebration of football and that security arrangements ensured the competition passed without any major disruptions.
The FIFA chief also praised tournament staff and volunteers, saying they worked tirelessly to deliver one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
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FIFA defends decisions on suspensions and travel issues
Gianni Infantino also defended FIFA’s disciplinary decisions, including the controversial lifting of an automatic suspension for United States forward Folarin Balogun after intervention from US President Donald Trump.
He argued that similar disciplinary discretion exists in several major domestic leagues and questioned why FIFA’s approach received greater criticism.
Infantino also rejected claims that geopolitical tensions prevented teams from participating fairly. He pointed to Iran’s participation in the tournament as evidence that football remained separate from politics, while insisting FIFA had worked to facilitate travel wherever possible.
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Questions over FIFA governance remain
Despite Gianni Infantino’s defence, debate surrounding the tournament has not disappeared. Critics continue to question FIFA’s handling of visa issues, travel restrictions and officiating decisions that overshadowed parts of the competition.
Several incidents, including reported travel complications for officials and teams, as well as refereeing controversies during the knockout rounds, remain topics of discussion among supporters and football administrators alike.
While FIFA considers the tournament a success, the governing body is likely to face continued scrutiny over transparency and governance as preparations begin for future global competitions. Infantino’s latest comments underline FIFA’s determination to defend its record, even as critics argue that important concerns remain unanswered.
