FIFA president Gianni Infantino has lashed out at critics of the 2026 World Cup, claiming they’ve been “consumed by hate” and urging them to “meditate, pray or watch a football match” in order to “find peace”.

In a statement posted on FIFA’s official website, and over 15 separate slides on Instagram, Infantino – who received heavy criticism throughout this summer’s showpiece international tournament – began by saying: “To everyone who missed our beautiful game, the emotions, the celebrations, the laughter, the crying, the deception, and the joy.

“To all of you who missed watching kids, babies, grandparents, and parents come together for the beautiful game, I say sorry that the matches are now over and sorry that you missed all that joy and togetherness. Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all.

“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.

“While you hide, we are exploring the streets of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, talking with fans, engaging with people, and ensuring everyone’s safety.

The Daily Mail, who claim Infantino has gone “full [Donald] Trump” with his lengthy rant, issued one week after Spain beat Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup, point out that the FIFA president’s statement overlooks the fact four supporters tragically died from suffocation during World Cup celebrations in Mexico City.

Infantino on Iran, Denied Visas and More

REUTERS/Henry Romero

Infantino continued: “Seven million people from over 200 countries enjoyed the tournament across 16 fantastic cities and stadiums: zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence, just joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness. All were safe, secure, and happy.

“Billions worldwide watched the FIFA World Cup from home, sharing moments of love for the game with friends and family, moments filled with joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness.

“Virtually all global celebrities from music, movies, entertainment, and sports attended, enjoying the event, spending time with fans and us. They were joyful and happy.

“All of this was made possible thanks to the governments of the three host countries and their tremendous contributions, thanks to FIFA and its fantastic team working for you, thanks to the host countries and all their people, the police forces and their incredible commitment, and the volunteers – oh, the volunteers, those amazing people who came from all around the world to be part of the greatest event on earth.

“While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war. Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict. When the Iranian team began playing, all the chants against them turned into a single song. The fans became the country, they became the team, and they stood behind Team Melli. This is the power of football. The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace. It’s not about politics. Football is about unity, not division. Football is bigger than hate and discrimination.

“Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas. Their teams competing and fans cheering filled millions of people back home with hope and, if only for a moment worth eternity, with joy and pride.

“Or when football brought Haiti to the world, a country that many cannot or choose not to visit, it might be time to set aside your pens and keyboards and show some respect to the teams that played with their hearts, that competed hard, the countries that contributed, the fans who traveled, and the children from everywhere who want to dream big. Maybe it’s time to show some love.”

Among those controversially denied a visa for the 2026 World Cup was Somali referee Omar Artan, whose dream of officiating at football’s greatest tournament was crushed after he was turned away from the United States. He will now referee the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on August 12.

Infantino on ‘Arguable’ Referees’ Decisions and Balogun Red Card

REUTERS/Leah Millis

Infantino has also aimed fire at all those who questioned FIFA’s hugely controversial decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban following his red card while playing for the United States against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32.

US President Trump, who handed the FIFA World Cup trophy to Spain alongside his close ally Infantino at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, intervened and successfully convinced world football’s governing body to allow Balogun to play against Belgium in the last 16.

Infantino, whose statement has been described as “frankly mad” by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, added: “Your dissatisfaction with a few decisions made by the competent authorities is understandable, but please refer to public records: such decisions are common in some of the most important leagues.

“This FIFA World Cup celebrated humanity at its best. We saw teams from small nations compete proudly in the most prestigious matches. They were confident, professional, and brought pride to their countries. Most importantly, they gave hope; hope that anyone can be part of the world, be big in the game, regardless of where they come from. We are all equal: fans, players, and just human beings.

“At FIFA, we couldn’t be more proud or emotional witnessing these moments of love, joy, and unity.

“To those spending their time and energy hating us, please take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match and truly observe the faces, the eyes, the emotions.

“Because only our beautiful game can deliver such an extraordinary show, a show where everyone becomes one and reconnects as humans.

“To the pens and papers, to all the screens, may you find love and peace where the people behind you couldn’t.

“May you find peace; we at FIFA have found ours and we deliver it, by delivering the most outstanding FIFA World Cup. May football rise above all hate.

“Finally I am incredibly proud, as FIFA President, to have contributed, even a little, to this show. It’s a great feeling!

“Much love to all.

Gianni Infantino

FIFA President.”

Leeds United have endured a slow but steady start to the summer transfer window with two new faces through the door at Elland Road.

The Whites fended off serious competition to snap up Harry Wilson as a free agent and coughed up £34 million for Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic.

Daniel Farke’s side conceded 56 goals in the Premier League last season, with only the bottom four sides more porous at the back. Muharemovic will look to add stability at the heart of defence but, with Pascal Struijk joining Brighton, Leeds United are expected to add another defender to the squad.

Udinese star Oumar Solet appeared to be that man with a £20 million move making progress, but that switch from the Serie A has now hit a snag.

Leeds United ‘withhold’ interest in Oumar Solet

Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb report that Leeds United have ‘withheld’ interest in Solet due to a knee injury, having never actually made a formal offer for the 26-year-old.

Inter Milan and Como have also both dropped interest, in a blow to the player. Napoli are the only club known to have made an official enquiry, but it remains to be seen whether they are still chasing a deal.

The Whites uncovered the player’s chequered injury history even before a medical had been booked. Solet tore his anterior cruciate ligament during the 2019/20 season and, as is often the case, has not been the same since.

A meniscus tear followed in the 2021/22 season and knee niggles sidelined the defender for a month in 2023/24. Since then, Solet has been fit, but Leeds United are clearly unconvinced by the player’s ability to withstand the physicality of the Premier League.

James Trafford set to be next Elland Road arrival

via Reuters

It’s a nightmare situation for Udinese, who are in desperate need of shifting some of the eight defenders currently on the wage books – the opposite of the Yorkshire outfit, who had just three centre-backs prior to the arrival of Muharemovic.

Before another defender is added, it seems likely that the third Leeds United summer signing will be a goalkeeper. The Whites have now agreed personal terms with number one shot-stopper target James Trafford.

The Manchester City man has had no shortage of suitors, having struggled for gametime at the Etihad Stadium, but has made a move to work under Daniel Farke his preference. That deal is expected to be completed in the ‘coming days’ with Leeds United believed to be willing to match the player’s current lofty £100,000 a-week wages.

Arsenal remain in the market for a marquee forward signing this summer, having been beaten to a deal for Morgan Rogers by London rivals Chelsea.

The Gunners have allowed the consistent Leandro Trossard to leave the club for a new venture at Turkish side Beşiktaş. Christos Tzolis has arrived from Club Brugge for £34 million but a more seasoned attacker is still expected through the doors at the Emirates Stadium.

Paris Saint-Germain man Bradley Barcola has been touted as an option after he turned down a new contract at the Parc des Princes, with RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande another potential target.

Real Madrid are frontrunners to sign Diomande, which could open the door for Vinicius Jr to leave the Bernabeu, which would be of interest to the Gunners.

Arsenal handed Vinicius Jr blow

Danilo Fernandez / Fotoarena/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect

The Standard Sport reported on Saturday that Arsenal had added Vinicius Jr to a shortlist of attacking targets, but were yet to make a formal approach to Real Madrid.

However, less than 24 hours after that report, AS now claim that the Brazil international is going to snub Arsenal interest in favour of a new contract with the Galacticos.

The 26-year-old ‘world-class superstar’ is ready to fight for minutes against Diomande with a year’s worth of contract talks now set to be fruitful. Vinicius Jr is entering the final 12 months of his contract this summer with either a sale or renewal before the end of the window inevitable.

It’s claimed that contract talks are set to resume next week with both the club and player determined to reach an agreement.

Bradley Barcola spurns PSG contract extension

Paul Childs via Reuters

That comes as another blow to Arsenal, just days after Chelsea confirmed the arrival of Rogers. Andrea Berta will have to turn attention elsewhere, although Vinicius Jr’s £400,000 a-week wages and £140m valuation would always have proven somewhat problematic for the Gunners.

Whoever Arsenal target, they are likely to end up battling a Premier League rival once again, with Liverpool also in the market for a wide man. The Reds had also been linked with Vinicius Jr, and will have been dealt the same blow after the contract update.

While Vinicius Jr is to commit to a new deal, Barcola has ended talks with PSG over an extension. The forward has another two years left on his deal, but the French outfit are willing to cash in on the star.

The Champions League winners are wanting more than £100 million for the player, which could price out the Gunners, who were unwilling to offer more than £80 million to Aston Villa for Rogers.