FIFA president Gianni Infantino has taken a firm stance against the wave of criticism aimed at the recent World Cup, urging detractors to 'meditate, pray or watch a football match' rather than spread hate and false rumors.
Speaking at a press conference, Infantino defended the tournament's legacy, describing it as a celebration of humanity at its best and promising that the 2026 edition will deliver 100% safety and security for participants and fans alike.
The event's organizers highlighted the symbolic significance of Iran's presence, noting that the team entered the United States despite the longstanding geopolitical strain between the two nations, a move Infantino called a triumph of sport over conflict.
Visas and Travel Hurdles
However, the road to participation was marred by logistical setbacks: Iranian officials reported visa delays, denied entry for backroom staff, and revoked ticket allocations, while fans from Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast faced travel bans imposed by the previous US administration.
Among those affected was Somali referee Omar Artan, who was barred from the US despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single‑entry visa, underscoring the broader visa challenges that rippled across several continents.
Infantino emphasized that millions of visitors were successfully approved for entry, framing the clearance process as proof that football can bring people together, even as investigations continue into Argentina's post‑final altercations and alleged racist abuse directed at social media influencer IShowSpeed.
The debate over officiating decisions also surfaced, with the suspension of US forward Folarin Balogun's one‑match ban sparking commentary from former president Donald Trump, a move that Uefa described as 'unprecedented, incomprehensible, and unjustifiable'.
In response, the Norwegian Football Federation is reportedly preparing a formal complaint to FIFA's ethics committee, while Infantino argued that similar regulatory actions are routine across major leagues worldwide.
Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee has decided not to pursue any investigation into Infantino's alleged breaches of political neutrality, allowing the FIFA chief to focus on his vision of a unifying tournament.
Concluding his remarks, Infantino called for love and respect for the competition, reminding the world that the World Cup had united families, fans and nations under a shared passion for the beautiful game.