Infantino Tells 2026 World Cup Critics to Meditate or Pray as He Claims 100% Safety
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 27
Infantino Tells 2026 World Cup Critics to Meditate or Pray as He Claims 100% Safety
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 27
Summary
In a 15-slide Instagram post, FIFA president Gianni Infantino told critics to “meditate, pray or watch a football match” instead of spreading “hate and false rumours” about his leadership and the 2026 World Cup.
Infantino defended the tournament as a unifying success, saying it delivered “100% safety and security” with “zero incidents, zero violence,” and citing Iran’s participation despite its conflict with co-host the United States.
That account clashes with complaints from Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei, who called his team the “most oppressed” after visa delays, staff entry denials, ticket revocations and a forced training-base move to Mexico.
Scrutiny also persists over other tournament controversies, including travel bans affecting some fans, ICE officers at stadiums, post-final altercations involving Argentina, and racism allegations tied to influencer IShowSpeed.
Officiating remains another flashpoint after USA forward Folarin Balogun’s ban was suspended following Trump’s intervention, though the IOC has said it will not investigate Infantino over political-neutrality complaints.