FIFA president Gianni Infantino has lashed out at critics of the 2026 World Cup, claiming they’ve been “consumed by hate” and urging them to “meditate, pray or watch a football match” in order to “find peace”.
The outburst was posted across Infantino's personal Instagram account and cross-posted to FIFA's official page on Sunday night, reaching over 13 million followers. The message was posted across 15 slides on his personal Instagram account and distributed to media personnel by FIFA’s communications team. It was cross-posted to the FIFA Instagram account to more than eight million people, as well as to his own 5.7 million followers. With the six-week tournament officially over, Infantino took the time to address his detractors through a 15-slide post on Instagram – where he seemingly defended a number of controversies that occurred throughout the summer competition.
Infantino continued: “Seven million people from over 200 countries enjoyed the tournament across 16 fantastic cities and stadiums: zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence, just joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness. Infantino said that the tournament experienced “no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness!” He said all those who attended the tournament were “safe, secure and happy.” He did not mention the four people who died from suffocation during World Cup celebrations in Mexico City following Mexico’s round-of-32 victory over Ecuador, as reported by the city’s public health authority. Most tragically, Infantino's claim of 'zero incidents' ignored the death of four supporters in Mexico City, who suffocated during chaotic street celebrations following Mexico's round of 32 victory over Ecuador. In fact, the opening day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was hit by violent protests as riot police fired tear gas at demonstrators prior to Mexico's game against South Africa.
President Donald Trump later said he called Infantino to ask for the case to be reviewed. Balogun was made eligible to face Belgium after FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the sanction. The Norwegian Football Federation intends to make a formal complaint to FIFA over Trump’s role in the suspension of Balogun’s red card.