FIFA president Gianni Infantino has told critics to "meditate, pray or watch a football match" instead of "spreading hate and false rumours" about his leadership. In a 15-slide Instagram post reposted to FIFA's eight million followers, Infantino addressed "those behind their pens and papers" to affirm that while they were "busy planting seeds of hate", FIFA was delivering the "greatest event on earth". He said the World Cup 2026 "celebrated humanity at its best", adding the tournament had "100% safety and security, only joy and happiness".

Infantino downplayed controversies and hailed Iran's involvement as a success, saying FIFA "worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war". This contradicts Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei's claim his team were "most oppressed", facing visa delays, denied staff entry, and logistical issues. Similar issues affected fans from Haiti, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and referee Omar Artan was denied entry despite a diplomatic passport.

Infantino argued: "You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved." He claimed "zero incidents, zero violence", though FIFA is investigating Argentina's post-final altercations, racist abuse allegations, supporter arrests, and ICE presence at stadiums. He also defended officiating decisions, including Folarin Balogun's suspended ban after Donald Trump intervention, calling such rulings "routine". UEFA called it "unprecedented, incomprehensible, and unjustifiable".

The IOC declined to investigate Infantino for political neutrality breaches. Infantino urged critics to "show some love" and "respect" a tournament where "people came together as families... as one". He concluded: "While they celebrated, you were busy planting seeds of hate. Our world needs love, not hate... meditate, pray or watch a football match and truly observe the faces, the eyes, the emotions."