One week after a thrilling final to conclude the largest and most-watched World Cup in history, FIFA president Gianni Infantino issued a blistering attack on critics he says were "consumed by hate" during the 39-day tournament. Infantino went on to accuse journalists and columnists of "planting seeds of hate" in their reporting of more controversial issues during the World Cup, from problems with visas to FIFA's disciplinary decisions − even though much of the media coverage was largely positive. US forward #20 Folarin Balogun (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's third goal during the 2026 World Cup Group D football match between USA and Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026. (PATRICK T. FALLON, AFP via Getty Images) Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States scores his team's third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: FIFA president Gianni Infantino blasts World Cup critics in defiant tirade