FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the 2026 World Cup on Sunday as the most exceptional edition ever held, telling critics to reflect, pray or simply watch a football match.
In a statement published on FIFA’s official website, Infantino responded to the wave of criticism that has surrounded the tournament, arguing that blindness caused by hatred and relentless fault-finding had kept his detractors from appreciating what he called an immense celebration of humanity at its best.
Although the tournament’s opening was marked by visa denials for fans and the barred entry of Somali referee Omar Artan, Infantino suggested that the millions of others from around the world who did receive visas had been overlooked in the criticism.
Infantino also praised FIFA’s role in bringing together two nations at war, claiming that Iran entered the United States without the slightest incident or conflict, calling it proof of football’s unifying power. Yet throughout the tournament, Iran’s coach Amir Ghalenoei repeatedly criticized the treatment his team received, going so far as to relocate the squad’s training base from the United States to Mexico, and describing Iran as the most mistreated team in the entire competition.
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The tournament’s most controversial episode, however, centered on the decision not to enforce a suspension against American forward Folarin Balogun after he was sent off with a straight red card for a hard tackle on Tarik Muharemović during the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 16.
World football’s governing body explained the punishment would instead be suspended for a one-year probationary period, a decision that drew significant backlash, particularly after President Donald Trump confirmed he had personally asked FIFA’s leadership to reconsider the red card, with Balogun going on to play in the team’s 4-1 quarterfinal loss to Belgium.
The reaction was sharply critical across both sports and political circles. UEFA itself said a red line had been crossed, and its president, Aleksander Ceferin, boycotted the final in protest. The Norwegian Football Federation announced last week that it would file a formal complaint with FIFA’s Ethics Committee.
Infantino acknowledged that dissatisfaction with certain decisions made by relevant authorities is understandable, but argued such calls are common even in the world’s most prestigious leagues, describing the choice not to suspend a player in certain situations as part of the sport’s everyday routine.
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He also addressed criticism over the expansion of the World Cup field from 32 to 48 teams, pointing to Haiti as an example of a country that gained international visibility through football.
Addressing those who spend their time and energy hating on the tournament, Infantino urged them to reflect, meditate, pray or simply watch a game of football, encouraging them to pay close attention to the faces, the expressions and the emotions on display.
Spain won the 2026 World Cup after defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final, a match decided in extra time by a goal from Ferran Torres.
