FIFA President Gianni Infantino has issued a wide-ranging message following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026, celebrating the tournament as an unprecedented demonstration of human unity — while firing back at critics he accused of spreading hate and misinformation.

A festival of togetherness

Infantino described the tournament, co-hosted across 16 cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, as a landmark success. Seven million spectators from more than 200 countries attended matches across the three nations, with billions more following the action from home.

"We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness," Infantino wrote, pointing to zero reported hostility across the entire event. He credited the host governments, FIFA staff, local police forces, and volunteers — whom he described as "those amazing people who came from all around the world" — for making the tournament possible.

The Iran moment

Among the tournament's defining stories, Infantino highlighted the participation of Iran, whose players were granted visas to enter the United States. He described how initial hostility from some sections of the crowd gave way to full-throated support for Team Melli as the tournament progressed.

"This is the power of football," Infantino wrote. "Football is about peace. It's not about politics. Football is about unity, not division. Football is bigger than hate and discrimination."

Hope for smaller nations

Infantino also paid tribute to sides from smaller countries who competed on the sport's biggest stage. He argued that their presence sent a powerful message: that any nation, regardless of size or resources, can hold its own at a FIFA World Cup.

He acknowledged that a small number of individuals were denied visas, but stressed that millions from across the globe were approved, including teams and fans from countries dealing with significant political or health challenges.

A response to critics

Much of the statement was directed at journalists and commentators Infantino accused of focusing on controversy rather than celebrating the tournament's achievements. He defended FIFA against criticism over certain refereeing and disciplinary decisions, arguing that comparable rulings are routine in major leagues worldwide.

"It's curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising," he wrote.

Infantino closed on a personal note, expressing pride in his own contribution to the event. "I am incredibly proud, as FIFA President, to have contributed, even a little, to this show," he said, signing off with a call for love and peace to prevail over division.