World Cup: FIFA president Infantino reacts to criticisms, controversies from tournament

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, has addressed critics regarding conspiracy theories during the just concluded 2026 World Cup held in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

The quadrennial tournament ended last week with Spain defeating 10-man defending champions, Argentina, 1-0 in extra time during the final in New Jersey.

This 23rd edition of the competition featured 48 teams participating in the tournament for the first time, alongside three co-hosts. Notably, all three co-hosting nations advanced to the knockout stage, with Canada achieving this milestone for the first time.

After 104 matches, La Roja claimed the championship title for the second time, having previously won in South Africa 16 years ago by defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in extra time, thus becoming the eighth different team to secure multiple championships.

In light of the high ticket prices and other concerns surrounding the event, Infantino shared a message on Instagram following the conclusion of the World Cup:

“Your dissatisfaction with certain decisions made by the relevant authorities is understandable; however, I urge you to consult public records: such decisions are commonplace in some of the most prestigious leagues.

“Indeed, ‘debatable’ refereeing decisions or ‘peculiar’ disciplinary actions, such as potentially erroneous red or yellow cards, or subsequent choices not to suspend players in specific circumstances, are routine and widely accepted in many of the largest leagues globally.

“We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness! Seven million individuals from over 200 countries relished the tournament across 16 remarkable cities and stadiums.”

Spain becomes the seventh team to win multiple titles, while Argentina joins Germany as the only teams to have lost four finals.