As the 2026 World Cup draws to a close, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has taken a firm stance against the wave of criticism that has accompanied the tournament.
A tournament of unity
Speaking on Instagram, he posted an 881‑word statement after attending 44 matches, emphasizing that the event has been defined by record‑breaking viewership and a genuinely positive experience for fans around the globe.
The final match alone reached a combined average audience of 62.8 million viewers across Fox and Telemundo, with two games attracting more than 30 million and five surpassing 20 million, while eleven exceeded 15 million.
Safety and global reach
Organizers reported that seven million people from more than 200 countries enjoyed the tournament across 16 cities and stadiums, and not a single incident of violence was recorded, underscoring a 100 percent safety record.
Football as a unifying force
Infantino highlighted the sport’s power to bring people together, citing the example of Iran’s team playing in the United States without incident as a testament to the tournament’s ability to foster goodwill.
Criticism and calls for resignation
La Liga president Javier Tebas joined a chorus of detractors demanding Infantino’s resignation, but the FIFA chief responded by urging critics to spread love rather than hate, insisting that football must remain a force for unity.
Looking ahead
With the tournament’s success still fresh, officials are already considering expanding the next edition to 64 teams, a move that could further broaden the competition’s reach and impact.
Infantino’s final message was clear: the world should rally around football’s capacity to connect, inspire and heal, and any attempts to undermine that spirit will be met with steadfast defense.