Infantino defends 2026 World Cup amid legal scrutiny and political controversy
Gianni Infantino accuses opponents of spreading hate while highlighting diplomatic successes and dismissing disciplinary complaints, as US attorneys-general investigate ticketing practices.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has issued a pointed defence of the 2026 World Cup, accusing critics and journalists of spreading "hate" and "false rumours" during the tournament. In a social media statement released shortly after the final, Infantino characterised the criticism as a distraction from the "joy and togetherness" of the event, while simultaneously addressing ongoing controversies surrounding the organisation.
The statement specifically targeted media coverage, with Infantino writing that while journalists remained "behind their screens," FIFA officials were on the front lines across host nations Canada, Mexico, and the United States. He thanked these countries for their organisation and emphasised the safety and engagement with fans, contrasting the "celebration" of the tournament with what he described as the "seeds of hate" planted by detractors.
Infantino highlighted the entry of Iran into the United States as a significant diplomatic achievement, stating that FIFA had worked to "unite two countries at war" with the team entering without incident or conflict. He framed the tournament as a force for tolerance, asserting that "football is bigger than hate and discrimination" and calling for a world focused on love rather than division.
Addressing specific complaints about the competition's integrity, the FIFA president dismissed criticisms regarding referee decisions and disciplinary rulings. He argued that "arguable" calls, such as mistaken red or yellow cards, are routine in major global leagues and questioned why countries employing similar practices were now criticising the tournament. This comment appears to reference disputes involving punishments handed out to players, including USMNT striker Folarin Balogun.
The statement comes as the 2026 World Cup faces significant external scrutiny. New York and New Jersey attorneys-general have issued subpoenas to FIFA regarding "dynamic pricing" structures and seat allocation accuracy at MetLife Stadium, alleging fans were misled and costs exceeded previous tournaments. Additionally, the event has drawn criticism linked to US immigration policies and the political involvement of former President Donald Trump.
Despite the controversy, the tournament drew record viewership numbers from US fans when the games began. The final, held at MetLife Stadium on July 19, featured a half-time show curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, with performances by Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, aimed at supporting FIFA’s Global Citizen Education Fund. Infantino concluded his statement with a message of "much love," focusing on the event's success rather than the legal and political challenges it encountered.
