Infantino Fires Back at Critics, Urges Them to Watch Football Instead

In a 15‑slide Instagram post that reached eight million followers, FIFA president Gianni Infantino blasted critics who were "planting seeds of hate" around the 2026 World Cup, telling them to "meditate, pray or watch football."

Infantino framed the tournament as a celebration of humanity, claiming it had 100% safety and security and that it brought joy, happiness, unity and togetherness. He praised Iran’s participation – a nation at odds with co‑host United States – calling it a success that "worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war."

The president also addressed allegedly unfair officiating, citing a case where US President Donald Trump intervened to lift a ban on a player. Infantino dismissed the criticism, arguing that such rulings were routine in elite leagues and that the countries practicing them were the ones most commonly critcized.

He finished with an appeal for love, tolerance and unity, urging anyone who "missed watching kids, babies, grandparents and parents" to stop hating and start enjoying the magic of football.

The post has sparked debate online, with some fans calling it a defiant response while others see it as an attempt to deflect legitimate concerns about protection, discrimination and political influence at the biggest sporting event in the world.