FIFA president Gianni Infantino has launched a fierce broadside against critics of the 2026 World Cup, claiming they are "consumed by hate" and urging them to "reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match."

The FIFA chief's unusually sharp remarks signal a defiant posture ahead of the tournament, which is set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Infantino appears unwilling to engage with dissenting voices on conventional terms, instead opting for pointed rhetoric aimed squarely at those who have questioned the event's organisation, scale, or broader direction.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to be the largest in history, expanding to 48 nations for the first time. The tournament has attracted significant debate, with critics raising concerns over a range of issues surrounding the competition's unprecedented scope.

By responding in such blunt terms, Infantino doubles down on his well-established pattern of dismissing opposition to FIFA's flagship event. Rather than addressing specific criticisms, the FIFA president chose language that frames his opponents as driven by negativity rather than legitimate scrutiny.

The comments are likely to intensify the ongoing conversation around the FIFA World Cup 2026 — and around the leadership style of the man steering world football's most powerful institution.