Infantino urges fans to embrace World Cup’s unifying spirit
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has called on fans and the media to celebrate the unifying power of the FIFA World Cup, urging critics not to lose sight of the tournament’s ability to bring people together.
Speaking ahead of the start of the 2026 World Cup, Infantino acknowledged that criticism of FIFA and the tournament is inevitable but appealed for the focus to remain on football and the emotions the competition inspires.
“We want to unite the world. If I can ask you one thing, again, if you want to criticise me, it’s fine,” Infantino said.
“But promote the unity of the World Cup, promote people coming to the World Cup, feeling those emotions that all of you have been feeling when you were children.”
The FIFA president said the World Cup remains a unique event that creates unforgettable memories for players and supporters alike.
“I hope you can still feel them now because we want to unite the world,” he added.
Infantino’s comments come as the 2026 World Cup gets underway amid heightened global political tensions, immigration and visa disputes, security concerns and criticism over ticket pricing and availability.
Despite the off-field controversies, FIFA expects record attendances at the expanded 48-team tournament, with more than six million tickets already sold across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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