FIFA President Gianni Infantino (left) and President Donald Trump exchanged medals while waiting to congratulate Spanish players after the 2026 World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York, USA, on 19/7. *Photo: AP*

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly criticized those who disparaged the 2026 World Cup, stating they were "consumed by hatred" and missed the unifying spirit of the sport. His remarks, posted on his personal Instagram account and FIFA's official channels, defended the organization's approach to the global tournament.

"To those who missed seeing children, grandparents, and parents coming together for this amazing sport, I apologize that the matches have ended and you missed all that joy and unity," Infantino wrote. "I apologize that you were too consumed by hatred and criticism to miss everything."

Infantino also directly targeted the media. "To those sitting behind pens, paper, or screens spreading hatred and false rumors," he stated, "while you sit there, we at FIFA are on the front lines, working tirelessly to organize and deliver the world's best event."

According to Infantino, the 2026 World Cup concluded "without violence, without incidents, 100% safe and secure, only joy and happiness." He highlighted that 7 million people from over 200 countries attended the matches. The FIFA President expressed gratitude to the governments of host nations Canada, Mexico, and the United States, along with police forces and volunteers, for contributing to what he termed an "excellent World Cup."

Despite its expanded format with 48 participating teams, this year's World Cup faced several controversies. These included the United States' restrictions on visa issuance for fans and officials from some teams, notably Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Cote d'Ivoire. Other issues involved FIFA suspending the ban on US forward Folarin Balogun after intervention by US President Donald Trump, and ongoing debates over ticket prices.

However, Infantino countered that critics only focused on a few visa rejections, overlooking the millions approved globally. He affirmed, "Football connects the world, and this was impressively demonstrated this summer."

US forward Folarin Balogun fouled Tarik Muharemovic and received a red card in the USA vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina match in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, at San Francisco Bay Area stadium in the USA, on 1/7. *Photo: AP*

Without directly addressing the Balogun incident, Infantino suggested that "controversial referee decisions" and "strange penalties" are common and widely accepted in many major global tournaments. He emphasized, "It is noteworthy that the very nations applying these practices are the ones criticizing."

Infantino concluded his message by urging critics to acknowledge football's unifying power. "To those who dedicate their time and energy to hating us," he wrote, "take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match and truly observe the faces, eyes, and emotions. Hopefully, football will rise above all hatred."

Hong Duy (via ESPN)