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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hit back at critics following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Spain won the tournament, defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal to secure the country’s second World Cup title.
The 2026 edition was the first to feature 48 teams, but the expanded tournament was overshadowed by several controversies, many involving U.S. President Donald Trump.
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One of the biggest talking points came when Trump claimed he had spoken to Infantino about the eligibility of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, who was initially suspended for the Round of 16 clash against Belgium before being reinstated following the president’s reported intervention.
In a strongly worded post on Instagram, Infantino defended FIFA against what he described as relentless criticism, arguing that the world governing body had been unfairly targeted throughout the tournament.
“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.”
“It’s curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising. To those spending their time and energy hating us… May football rise above all hate” a section of the statement read.
