Infantino Condemns World Cup Critics for Spreading Hate in Open Letter

FIFA President Gianni Infantino published an open letter on July 27, 2026, in which he accused critics of the recent World Cup of spreading hate. He said critics had overlooked the joy and togetherness experienced by millions of fans around the world who witnessed the tournament.

Gianni Infantino, in his capacity as FIFA President, used the open letter to respond directly to public scrutiny of the tournament. The letter framed his rebuttal around the positive experiences of supporters and sought to challenge voices he described as antagonistic. The statement reiterated his view that attention to the tournament’s communal moments should temper the criticism it has attracted.

Infantino’s missive emphasised the global scale of spectatorship and the emotional dimensions of the event, arguing that those elements had been neglected by detractors. He described the reaction of fans as evidence of the tournament’s unifying effect and presented that as central to his defence. The letter did not shrink from attributing hostile intent to its opponents, using the phrase that they were spreading hate.

The document set out Infantino’s assessment of public reaction without delving into the specific details of the criticisms themselves. Rather than cataloguing grievances, the letter reiterated a broader point about the tournament’s capacity to produce moments of shared celebration. His emphasis remained on the experiences of supporters who attended or followed the matches worldwide.

Infantino framed his remarks as a counterweight to negative commentary, urging recognition of the positive social effects he associates with the competition. He returned repeatedly to the theme that the event fostered joy and togetherness among millions, positioning that as the primary lens through which the tournament should be judged. The open letter therefore functioned as both a defence and a public appeal for a different tone in assessing the event.

By issuing this letter, Infantino made a clear public statement about his view of criticism directed at the World Cup. The publication reinforced his stance that the tournament’s communal benefits merit attention alongside any critiques. The open letter stands as his formal response to those he says are spreading hate.