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WM 2026July 27, 2026

Infantino sharply criticizes World Cup critics and speaks of hatred

FIFA President Gianni Infantino sharply attacked critics of the 2026 World Cup and accused them of hatred.

Infantino sharply criticizes World Cup critics and speaks of hatred

According to Espn.

Background

Infantino's comments come as FIFA seeks to position the 2026 World Cup as a major event that promotes not only soccer but also cooperation between the United States, Canada and Mexico. FIFA, led by Infantino, aims to present the World Cup as a celebration of football and diversity, despite the ongoing controversy.

Why this is important

Gianni Infantino's sharp comments underscore the tensions surrounding the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in three North American countries. Critics have raised concerns about the award and the impact on society, while Infantino highlights the positive development of ticket sales and interest from sponsors. This debate could influence public perception of the World Cup and preparations for the tournament.

Key findings

  • Infantino sharply criticizes World Cup critics and speaks of hatred.
  • FIFA President Gianni Infantino sharply attacked critics of the 2026 World Cup and accused them of hatred.
  • Infantino slams WC critics for 'spreading hate'.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has sharply attacked critics of the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. In a speech at a FIFA event in London, he described critics as filled with hatred and urged them to reflect, pray or watch a football match. He called the criticism of the awarding of the World Cup to the three North American countries absurd, as so many tickets have never been sold, there have never been so many sponsors and there have never been so many media representatives present at a World Cup. He said: "There are always people filled with hate. I don't understand that. I don't know why. Maybe they should do some self-reflection, maybe they should meditate, pray or just watch a football match. Because when you watch a football match you can't hate. That's impossible because what you see is beauty. They are people who respect each other, who respect each other, who respect for their people, who respect for their people, who respect for their people, who respect for their people, who respect for their people respect, respect for their people, respect for their people, respect for their people, respect for their people, respect for their people, respect for their people, respect for their people, respect for their people, respect for their people hen respect, who respect for their people, who respect for their people, who respect for their people, who respect for their people, who respect for their people, who respect for their people, who respect for their people. And I think it's sad that there are people who aren't able to see that." Infantino called on the FIFA associations not to be influenced by the criticism and to concentrate on preparations for the World Cup. "It is important that we as a football family, as associations, do not allow ourselves to be influenced by these people, but simply continue on our path and continue to show the beauty that we show the world through football." The 2026 World Cup will be the first World Cup with 48 participating teams and will take place in the following cities: USA: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco/Bay Area, Seattle. Mexico: Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey. Canada: Toronto, Vancouver. The World Cup will take place from June 11th to July 11th, 2026.

What happens next

It remains to be seen how critics will react to Infantino's statements and whether this will lead to further discussions about the 2026 World Cup. FIFA will continue to try to build anticipation for the tournament while dealing with the challenges of criticism. The coming months could be crucial in influencing public opinion and solidifying preparations for the World Cup.

Frequently asked questions

What did Gianni Infantino say about the critics of the 2026 World Cup?

Gianni Infantino has sharply attacked critics of the 2026 World Cup, describing them as filled with hate.

Where did Infantino express his criticism?

Infantino expressed his criticism in a speech at a FIFA event in London.

Why did Infantino describe the criticism of the World Cup award as absurd?

He called the criticism absurd because never before had so many tickets been sold, sponsors available and media representatives present at a World Cup.

What does Infantino demand from the World Cup critics?

Infantino urges critics to self-reflect, pray or watch a football game.

What is the main focus of Infantino's speech?

The main focus of Infantino's speech is defending the 2026 World Cup and rejecting criticism of it.

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Häufig gestellte Fragen

What did Gianni Infantino say about the critics of the 2026 World Cup?
Gianni Infantino has slammed critics of the 2026 World Cup, describing them as hate-filled.
Where did Infantino voice his criticism?
Infantino expressed his criticism in a speech at a FIFA event in London.
Why did Infantino describe the criticism of the World Cup award as absurd?
He called the criticism absurd because never before have so many tickets been sold, sponsors available and media representatives present at a World Cup.
What does Infantino demand from the World Cup critics?
Infantino encourages critics to self-reflect, pray or watch a football game.
What is the main focus of Infantino's speech?
The main focus of Infantino's speech is defending the 2026 World Cup and rejecting criticism of it.
What happened in this story?
Infantino sharply criticizes World Cup critics and speaks of hatred summarizes the main development covered in this report.
Who confirmed this news?
See the source attribution in the article for where this report was first published or corroborated.