In a lengthy statement published after the tournament concluded, Infantino accused critics of focusing on negativity while overlooking what he described as one of football's greatest celebrations. The message, shared on both his personal Instagram account and FIFA's official platforms, appeared to target journalists and other critics who questioned aspects of the tournament.
The FIFA president argued that millions of fans experienced moments of unity and joy throughout the competition, saying critics had failed to appreciate football's power to connect people across cultures and borders.
"To all of you who missed watching kids, babies, grandparents, and parents come together for the beautiful game, I say sorry that the matches are now over and sorry that you missed all that joy and togetherness.
"Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all."
Infantino went further by defending FIFA's work behind the scenes, insisting that tournament organizers remained focused on delivering a successful event despite widespread scrutiny.
"To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world."
His comments came after a World Cup that was overshadowed by several high-profile controversies despite attracting millions of supporters from around the globe.
Among the biggest issues was criticism of United States visa restrictions, which affected supporters, football officials and participants from several competing nations, including Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast. Somali referee Omar Artan was also unable to travel to the United States after being denied a visa, raising fresh concerns about accessibility for all participants.
Responding to those concerns, Infantino maintained that the broader picture had been ignored.
"You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world. Because football unites the world, and it was demonstrated impressively this summer."
Infantino also praised the tournament's overall organization, claiming it had been staged without major security problems. According to him, around seven million spectators from more than 200 countries attended matches during the competition.
"No violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness."
He thanked the governments of co-hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States, alongside law enforcement agencies and thousands of volunteers, for helping deliver what he described as "the most outstanding FIFA World Cup."
Another controversy that attracted significant attention involved United States striker Folarin Balogun. The forward was initially due to serve an automatic one-match suspension after being sent off against Bosnia-Herzegovina. However, FIFA later overturned the ban, allowing him to feature against Belgium.
The decision sparked widespread debate after U.S. President Donald Trump revealed he had spoken with Infantino before FIFA confirmed Balogun's eligibility. Although FIFA insisted its independent disciplinary committee made the ruling, the episode prompted accusations of political interference from UEFA, the Belgian Football Association and several European lawmakers.
Without mentioning the Balogun case directly, Infantino suggested that controversial refereeing and disciplinary decisions are not unique to FIFA competitions.
"'Arguable' referees' decisions or 'strange' disciplinary rulings" were "routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide."
He added:
"It's curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising."
The fallout from the incident has continued even after the tournament, with the Norwegian Football Federation confirming it intends to submit a formal complaint to FIFA regarding Trump's involvement in the Balogun affair.
Despite the criticism, Infantino insisted the tournament's lasting legacy should be its ability to unite people from every corner of the world. He urged detractors to look beyond the controversies and focus instead on the emotions football creates.
"To those spending their time and energy hating us, please take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match and truly observe the faces, the eyes, the emotions."
He concluded his message with a final appeal for unity through the sport:
"May football rise above all hate."
Infantino's message in full
To everyone who missed our beautiful game, the emotions, the celebrations, the laughter, the crying, the deception, and the joy. To all of you who missed watching kids, babies, grandparents, and parents come together for the beautiful game, I say sorry that the matches are now over and sorry that you missed all that joy and togetherness. Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all.
To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world.
While you hide, we are exploring the streets of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, talking with fans, engaging with people, and ensuring everyone's safety.
While you divide, we unite.
People came together as families, as fans, as one.
We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness!
Seven million people from over 200 countries enjoyed the tournament across 16 fantastic cities and stadiums: zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence, just joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness. All were safe, secure, and happy.
Billions worldwide watched the FIFA World Cup™ from home, sharing moments of love for the game with friends and family, moments filled with joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness.
Virtually all global celebrities from music, movies, entertainment, and sports attended, enjoying the event, spending time with fans and us. They were joyful and happy.
All of this was made possible thanks to the governments of the three host countries and their tremendous contributions, thanks to FIFA and its fantastic team working for you, thanks to the host countries and all their people, the police forces and their incredible commitment, and the volunteers -- oh, the volunteers, those amazing people who came from all around the world to be part of the greatest event on earth.
Every city was packed with fans from all around the globe. While they celebrated, you were busy planting seeds of hate.
Our world needs love, not hate; tolerance, not division; celebration, not mourning.
While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war. Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict. When the Iranian team began playing, all the chants against them turned into a single song. The fans became the country, they became the team, and they stood behind Team Melli. This is the power of football. The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace. It's not about politics. Football is about unity, not division. Football is bigger than hate and discrimination.
Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas. Their teams competing and fans cheering filled millions of people back home with hope and, if only for a moment worth eternity, with joy and pride.
You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world. Because football unites the world, and it was demonstrated impressively this summer.
Or when football brought Haiti to the world, a country that many cannot or choose not to visit, it might be time to set aside your pens and keyboards and show some respect to the teams that played with their hearts, that competed hard, the countries that contributed, the fans who traveled, and the children from everywhere who want to dream big. Maybe it's time to show some love.
Your dissatisfaction with a few decisions made by the competent authorities is understandable, but please refer to public records: such decisions are common in some of the most important leagues.
Indeed, "arguable" referees' decisions or "strange" disciplinary rulings such as for instance potentially mistaken red or yellow cards or subsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations are routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide.
It's curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising.
This FIFA World Cup celebrated humanity at its best. We saw teams from small nations compete proudly in the most prestigious matches. They were confident, professional, and brought pride to their countries. Most importantly, they gave hope; hope that anyone can be part of the world, be big in the game, regardless of where they come from. We are all equal: fans, players, and just human beings.
At FIFA, we couldn't be more proud or emotional witnessing these moments of love, joy, and unity.
To those spending their time and energy hating us, please take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match and truly observe the faces, the eyes, the emotions.
Because only our beautiful game can deliver such an extraordinary show, a show where everyone becomes one and reconnects as humans.
To the pens and papers, to all the screens, may you find love and peace where the people behind you couldn't.
May you find peace; we at FIFA have found ours and we deliver it, by delivering the most outstanding FIFA World Cup. May football rise above all hate.
Finally I am incredibly proud, as FIFA President, to have contributed, even a little, to this show. It's a great feeling!
Much love to all.