Infantino calls World Cup critics' hatred' and tells them to pray

FIFA president Gianni Infantino published an open letter on July 27, 2026, accusing critics of the 2026 World Cup of spreading hate and false narratives. He told detractors to "take a moment to reflect, meditate or pray." The Guardian and Reuters both reported the letter, which defended the tournament — won by Spain across the US, Canada and Mexico — as a triumph of unity and inclusion.