Just one week after Spain lifted the 2026 World Cup trophy, FIFA President Gianni Infantino launched a lengthy and defiant defence of the tournament, dismissing critics and painting a picture of unblemished success. His statement, published across FIFA’s official website and over 15 Instagram slides, claimed an event with “no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness!”
However, Infantino’s glowing assessment stands in stark contrast to several documented incidents and criticisms that emerged during and immediately after the tournament. Most notably, four supporters tragically died from suffocation amidst World Cup celebrations in Mexico City, directly contradicting the FIFA President’s assertion of “100% safety and security.”
Visa controversies and disciplinary decisions
Infantino lauded the tournament’s ability to unite, stating that “people came together as families, as fans, as one.” He highlighted the entry of the Iranian team into the United States without incident or conflict, attributing the issuance of visas to football’s role in promoting peace. He also noted that countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas.
Yet, this narrative was undermined by the controversial denial of a visa to Somali referee Omar Artan, preventing his participation in the 2026 World Cup. Artan is, however, set to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on August 12.
Read also: Hezonja seals NBA comeback as Real Madrid exit row rumbles on
The FIFA President also defended controversial disciplinary rulings, specifically addressing the decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban. Balogun had received a red card for the United States against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32. Infantino stated, “Indeed, ‘arguable’ referees’ decisions or ‘strange’ disciplinary rulings such as for instance 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.” This decision followed direct intervention from US President Trump, who convinced FIFA to allow Balogun to play against Belgium in the last 16. Trump later joined Infantino to hand the FIFA World Cup trophy to Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
“Frankly mad” response to critics
Infantino claimed seven million people from over 200 countries enjoyed the tournament across 16 cities and stadiums. Despite this scale, his broad dismissal of any negative aspects drew significant criticism. The Athletic’s Adam Crafton described Infantino’s statement as “frankly mad,” a sentiment echoed by the Daily Mail (US), which compared the lengthy address to the style of Donald Trump. Infantino concluded his statement by telling detractors, “Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all.”
Read also: Emmanuel Petit: Harry Kane's 2026 Ballon d'Or hopes are "over"
