Infantino responds to World Cup criticism in a lengthy Instagram post

FIFA President Gianni Infantino posted a fifteen-page message on Instagram to defend the record of the 2026 World Cup, attacking critics of the tournament while remaining silent on several major incidents.

Comments were disabled. It was under these conditions that Gianni Infantino chose to speak on Sunday, via a lengthy text published simultaneously on FIFA's website, his personal Instagram account, and the organization's official channels. Fifteen pages to defend the 2026 World Cup, ironically apologize to critics, and demand recognition for what he considers an exceptional outcome.

“To all those who were so consumed by hatred and criticism that they missed everything, I say sorry,” the Swiss leader wrote, in a style that several observers likened to that of Donald Trump. He asserted that the tournament had brought “no violence, no incidents, 100% safety, nothing but joy and happiness.”

Among the most contentious issues was the treatment of the Iranian team. Infantino presented Iran's participation as a demonstration of unity between two countries in conflict. The reality on the ground was more nuanced: Iran was forced to reside in Mexico and travel to the United States for each match, with additional restrictions imposed at the last minute. Coach Amir Ghalenoei described his team as "the most oppressed" in the tournament after several staff members were denied visas.

Travel bans and visa denials were a recurring theme throughout the competition. Measures taken by the Trump administration prevented fans from several participating countries from entering the United States, including Haiti, Senegal, Iran, and Ivory Coast. Somali referee Omar Artan, despite holding a diplomatic passport and a valid visa, was also denied entry to the United States, with American authorities citing, without evidence, an alleged "association with suspected members of terrorist organizations."

Infantino dismissed these cases out of hand: "You mentioned the few people who were refused a visa and you ignored the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world." This wording provoked reactions, given the number of people actually affected by the restrictions.

The relationship between Infantino and Trump also fueled tensions. Last December, the US president received the newly created FIFA Peace Prize. A few months later, Trump admitted to calling Infantino to intervene on behalf of US striker Folarin Balogun, whose suspension following a red card had been lifted in circumstances virtually unprecedented at this level of competition. FIFA regulations, however, stipulate that sanctions related to red cards in the World Cup cannot be appealed or overturned.

This affair has exacerbated the rift between FIFA and UEFA. The president of the European governing body, Aleksander Ceferin, publicly stated that FIFA had "crossed a red line" in the Balogun case and did not attend the final, a gesture interpreted as an act of protest. Infantino responded with a thinly veiled barb: "It's curious that the same countries that employ these practices are the ones that criticize them."

Trump also suggested, shortly after the final, that Infantino would be a good candidate for the post of UN Secretary-General, whose term expires this year. The FIFA president, however, seems keen to remain at the helm of the organization, where he is expected to be re-elected unopposed next year.