Gianni Infantino makes sure Donald Trump gets a mention in angry World Cup retort

Oscar Maung-HaleyMon, July 27, 2026 at 1:03 PM UTC

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump, President of the United States have formed a close friendship. -Credit:(Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)

Gianni Infantino thanked Donald Trump's administration in an unhinged rant on social media, in which he criticized FIFA's World Cup critics.

The 2026 World Cup came to a close earlier this month, with Spain celebrating its second World Cup win after defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final at MetLife Stadium. While it was an enjoyable tournament, the World Cup was not without controversy, in part thanks to Trump, who played a major role in overturning Folarin Balogun's red card, allowing him to play in the USMNT's Round of 16 defeat to Belgium after he lobbied FIFA.

While the dust has settled around the tournament, Infantino took to social media on Sunday to post a lengthy statement offering his thoughts on the World Cup, using it to attack many of his critics.

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The statement, which is nearly 900 words long, began with Infantino apologizing to those who did not watch the World Cup because they were so "consumed by hate and criticism."

"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," wrote the FIFA boss.

He continued, "Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all.

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"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."

In the buildup to the tournament, Infantino had been thick as thieves with Trump.

The pair share a close relationship and while the FIFA president did not explicitly name Trump in his statement, he did thank the U.S. President's administration, as well as the governments of Mexico and Canada, the other two World Cup co-hosts.

"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," wrote Infantino.

He added, "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.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has penned a lengthy open letter -Credit:Chris Brunskill/Getty Images

"Every city was packed with fans from all around the globe. While they celebrated, you were busy planting seeds of hate. Our world needs love, not hate; tolerance, not division; celebration, not mourning."

And bizarrely, a portion of his statement was also dedicated to criticizing countries that attacked FIFA for overturning Balogun's red card, with Infantino explaining that the decision to do so was in line with "some of the biggest leagues" in the world, a statement which is demonstrably untrue.

Infantino wrote, "Indeed, 'arguable' referees' decisions or 'strange' disciplinary rulings, such as, for instance, potentially mistaken red or yellow cards or subsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations, are routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide.

"It's curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising."

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Source: “AOL Sports”