Infantino Claims World Cup Was Incident-Free

Infantino released a 15‑slide open letter on Instagram rebutting critics, claiming the World Cup 2026 delivered the greatest show with no incidents and 100% safety. He praised the three co‑hosts for unity, safety, and inclusivity, highlighting Iran’s participation amid US–Iran tensions and noting visa and travel hurdles for other countries. He framed refereeing and disciplinary decisions as routine in big leagues and cited the Balogun case and a Trump‑involved review as examples of bias in opponents’ narratives. The FIFA chief cast the tournament as a global celebration of humanity, saying fans experienced joy, togetherness, and unity despite off‑field controversies. Coverage noted criticisms over visa restrictions, ticket prices, and disputed decisions such as Omar Artan’s entry denial and Argentina–Egypt debates, with several investigations underway into Argentina’s actions after the final. He urged critics to reflect, meditate, or recognize the event’s positives.