The story

FIFA president Gianni Infantino posted a 15-slide Instagram message accusing critics of the 2026 World Cup of spreading hate and being consumed by criticism. He urged them to meditate, pray or watch a football match instead. Infantino defended FIFA's handling of the tournament, claiming it experienced no violence, no incidents, and 100 percent safety and security, with seven million people from over 200 countries attending matches. He has not held a news conference since the tournament ended.

The World Cup faced multiple controversies. U.S. travel bans imposed by the Trump administration affected fans from Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast. Somali referee Omar Artan was prohibited from entering the U.S., with a White House official alleging he had an association with suspected members of terror organizations. Iran's captain Mehdi Taremi described the competition as a disaster because of restrictions on visas and movement. U.S. forward Folarin Balogun had his automatic one-game suspension overturned after President Trump said he called Infantino to ask for the case to be reviewed. FIFA also faces investigations by the Attorneys General of New York, New Jersey, Texas and California over ticketing prices.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, requested Infantino produce documents by Aug. 9 and appear for a transcribed interview. Raskin accused FIFA of corruption and quid pro quo, calling FIFA's decision to lease office space on the 17th floor of Trump Tower, which might retail for $600,000 a year for use during the 39-day World Cup period, outright bribery. Raskin requested a list of anything of value given to Trump, his administration, family members, or entities like The Trump Organization. Raskin also cited the U.S. Justice Department dismissing indictments against two defendants caught up in the ongoing FIFA bribery scandal that first arose in 2015.