FIFA president Gianni Infantino has urged supporters and media organisations to focus on the unifying impact of the World Cup, saying the tournament should be celebrated for its ability to bring people together despite ongoing criticism and off-field controversies.
Speaking ahead of the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Infantino acknowledged that scrutiny of FIFA and its flagship competition is unavoidable. However, he appealed for attention to remain on the emotions, memories and sense of togetherness that the tournament can generate across the globe.
Addressing journalists before the competition begins, the FIFA president said criticism directed at him personally was acceptable, provided that the broader values of the World Cup were not overshadowed.
“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.”
His comments come as football’s biggest international tournament prepares to get underway against a backdrop of wider global challenges and debate.
The 2026 edition of the competition has attracted attention not only for the football itself but also for a range of issues away from the pitch. Political tensions in various parts of the world, concerns surrounding immigration and visa matters, questions over security arrangements and criticism of ticket prices and availability have all formed part of the discussion in the build-up to the event.
Despite those concerns, FIFA remains confident that the tournament will attract unprecedented levels of support.
According to football’s governing body, demand for tickets has been exceptionally strong, with more than six million already sold for matches scheduled to take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The competition also marks a significant milestone in World Cup history as it expands to 48 teams, creating a larger tournament than any previous edition.
Infantino stressed that the essence of the World Cup should not be lost amid debate surrounding organisational and political issues. He argued that the competition remains a unique sporting event capable of creating lasting memories for both players and supporters.
The FIFA president said the tournament offers moments that stay with people long after the final whistle and continue to resonate across generations.
“I hope you can still feel them now because we want to unite the world,” he added.
His remarks underline FIFA’s desire to present the World Cup as more than a sporting spectacle, positioning it as an event capable of connecting cultures, countries and communities through a shared passion for football.
As the tournament begins, organisers will hope that attention increasingly shifts towards events on the pitch, where teams from around the world will compete for football’s most prestigious prize.
While criticism and controversy continue to accompany preparations for the competition, FIFA’s leadership is seeking to emphasise what it sees as the World Cup’s enduring strength: its capacity to create collective experiences and bring people together through sport.
With record attendances anticipated and millions of supporters expected to follow the action, the 2026 World Cup is set to begin under intense global scrutiny but also with expectations of widespread enthusiasm from football fans across the world.
