FIFA president hits back at 2026 World Cup critics

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has responded to critics and dismissed conspiracy theories surrounding the just-concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the tournament was successfully organised and free of major security incidents.

The competition, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, ended last week with Spain defeating 10-man defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final played in New Jersey.

The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup was the first to feature 48 participating nations and was jointly hosted by three countries. All three host nations progressed to the knockout stage, with Canada reaching that phase of the competition for the first time.

After 104 matches, Spain emerged champions for the second time in their history, having previously won the title in South Africa in 2010 with a 1-0 extra-time victory over the Netherlands.

Reacting to criticism over issues such as high ticket prices, refereeing decisions and other controversies, Infantino defended FIFA’s handling of the tournament in a message posted on his Instagram account.

“Your dissatisfaction with certain decisions made by the relevant authorities is understandable; however, I urge you to consult public records: such decisions are commonplace in some of the most prestigious leagues.

“Indeed, ‘debatable’ refereeing decisions or ‘peculiar’ disciplinary actions, such as potentially erroneous red or yellow cards, or subsequent choices not to suspend players in specific circumstances, are routine and widely accepted in many of the largest leagues globally.

“We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness! Seven million individuals from over 200 countries relished the tournament across 16 remarkable cities and stadiums,” Infantino said.

Spain’s triumph made them the seventh nation to win multiple FIFA World Cup titles, while Argentina joined Germany as the only countries to have lost four World Cup finals.

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