New FIFA Chief Defends 2026 World Cup Amid Criticisms, Highlights Success and Inclusivity

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the 2026 World Cup against its detractors, accusing them of spreading hate and false narratives. He characterized the tournament as a success that celebrated unity, safety, and inclusion.

In an open letter published on Monday, the 56‑year‑old FIFA chief said critics had missed the joy and togetherness felt by millions of fans worldwide who witnessed a tournament won by Spain and hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“You were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” he said.

“To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumors, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organizing, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world. “We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness!”

During the tournament, FIFA faced criticism over several issues, including U.S. visa restrictions that affected supporters and officials from several nations and concerns surrounding teams from conflict‑affected regions.

The letter also followed scrutiny of FIFA’s handling of the Folarin Balogun disciplinary case. After a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balogun was initially given an automatic one‑match ban, but that suspension was later lifted following an intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Officiating decisions in Argentina’s match against Egypt also sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts.

Although Infantino did not reference specific incidents, he argued that many of the refereeing and disciplinary decisions criticized during the tournament were routine in major competitions worldwide.

“Potentially mistaken red or yellow cards or subsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations are routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide,” he added. “It’s curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticizing.”

VISA CONTROVERSIES

Infantino highlighted the participation of nations confronting political tensions, domestic crises, and health challenges as proof that football can transcend divisions.

While Iran’s participation unfolded amid a geopolitical conflict with the United States, Haiti’s domestic crisis and the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo also brought visa and travel restrictions to the fore.

Somali World Cup referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was barred from entering the United States despite holding a valid visa.

“Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict. The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace. It’s not about politics,” he said.

“Countries confronting serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas.

“When football brought Haiti to the world—a country many cannot or choose not to visit—it might be time to set aside your pens and keyboards and show some respect to the teams that played.”

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