• Summary

• Infantino says World Cup critics were driven by hate
• World Cup ‘united countries facing conflict, instability and health crises’
• Infantino defends FIFA against criticism over visas, refereeing and disciplinary decisions

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hit back at critics of ​the World Cup, accusing them of spreading hate and false narratives while defending the tournament as a success ‌that celebrated unity, safety and inclusion.

In an open letter published on Monday, Infantino, 56, said detractors had overlooked the joy and togetherness experienced by millions of fans around the world who witnessed the tournament, won by Spain and staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“You were ​so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” he said.

“To those behind their pens ​and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that ⁠while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the ​best show in the world.

“We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness!”

FIFA faced criticism ​over a number of issues during the tournament, including debate over U.S. visa restrictions affecting supporters and officials from several countries and concerns involving teams from conflict-hit regions.

Infantino’s letter also followed scrutiny of FIFA’s handling of the Folarin Balogun disciplinary case, a decision to suspend the automatic ​one-match ban imposed on him after his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina following the intervention of U.S. President ​Donald Trump.

Officiating decisions in Argentina’s match against Egypt also generated widespread debate among fans and pundits.

Though Infantino did not refer to specific cases, ‌he argued ⁠that many of the refereeing and disciplinary decisions criticised during the tournament were commonplace in various competitions worldwide.

“Potentially mistaken red or yellow cards or subsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations are routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide,” he added.

“It’s curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising.

VISA ​CONTROVERSIES

Infantino pointed to the participation ​of countries facing political ⁠tensions, domestic crises and domestic health challenges as evidence of football’s ability to transcend divisions.

While Iran’s participation came against the backdrop of conflict with the U.S., issues surrounding Haiti’s domestic ​crisis and the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo also drew attention ​to visa and ⁠travel restrictions.

Somali World Cup referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was barred from entering the U.S. despite having a valid visa.

“Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict. The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace. It’s not about ⁠politics,” he ​said.

“Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas.

“When ​football brought Haiti to the world, a country that many cannot or choose not to visit, it might be time to set aside your pens ​and keyboards and show some respect to the teams that played.”

-Reuters

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By Kunle Solaja, who was in New York

 The World Cup is over. The accreditation card has been put away in the archive while my previous nine World Cup accreditations and scores of others are kept. My suitcase has been unpacked, and I am back home in Nigeria.

But the mind has not quite returned. It still wanders occasionally across the Atlantic, to the crowded streets of New York, the trains and buses, the hurried walks to assignments, the stadiums packed with supporters from across the world and those moments between matches when a journalist is briefly liberated from deadlines.

For 39 days, the FIFA World Cup 2026 dictated almost everything: where to go, what train or flight to catch, what match to attend, what story to pursue and, inevitably, what deadline had to be beaten.

It was my 10th consecutive FIFA World Cup, a journey stretching back 36 years to Italia ’90.

But as the FIFA World Cup 2026 reached its climax last Sunday and the final showdown between Argentina and Spain drew near, there was a brief window between assignments to visit one of the world’s most celebrated sporting cathedrals, the Madison Square Garden.

For any sports journalist, especially one with a passion for history, a trip to New York City is incomplete without stepping into the arena affectionately known simply as “The Garden.”

Located in the heart of Manhattan, above Pennsylvania Station and a short walk from the famed Fifth Avenue, Madison Square Garden has hosted some of the greatest moments in sports, entertainment and politics. While football dominates my itinerary, the visit was to Madison square, a sacred ground, became inevitable.

The experience began even before one entered the main bowl of the arena. On the first floor is a special concourse often referred to as Madison Square Garden’s “Walk of Fame.” This is a tribute-lined passageway celebrating the athletes, performers and personalities who have helped shape the venue’s rich legacy.

As I strolled along the walkway, I found myself pausing repeatedly to study the plaques and displays honouring sporting and entertainment giants.

It felt like a journey through decades of history. Every few steps brought another reminder of a memorable night, a championship triumph, a legendary performance or a historic contest that had unfolded under the Garden’s roof.

For a reporter who has spent years documenting sporting milestones across continents, the walkway offered a fascinating encounter with history. It was not merely a corridor leading into an arena; it was a museum of memories, connecting generations of fans and athletes.

Among the names and moments celebrated there, none resonated more strongly than those of Muhammad Ali.

The Garden became one of Ali’s favourite theatres. It was here, on March 8, 1971, that boxing witnessed what many still regard as the “Fight of the Century” when Ali faced unbeaten heavyweight champion Joe Frazier. The bout captivated the world and remains one of the most celebrated contests in sporting history.

Although Ali lost that night by unanimous decision, the fight elevated boxing to unprecedented global prominence and cemented Madison Square Garden’s reputation as the epicentre of world sport.

Ali would return repeatedly to the arena, creating more unforgettable memories. In 1974, he defeated Joe Frazier in their rematch at the Garden, a victory that paved the way for his famous “Rumble in the Jungle” triumph over George Foreman later that year.

Standing inside the building after passing through the Walk of Fame, one can almost imagine the roar of the crowd that greeted Ali’s dazzling footwork, lightning-fast combinations and charismatic showmanship. The echoes of those historic nights seem permanently embedded in the walls of the arena.

Yet Madison Square Garden’s story extends far beyond boxing. The arena has hosted NBA legends such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and LeBron James. It is home to the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers. Tennis, wrestling, political conventions and major concerts have all found a place on its storied stage.

For a World Cup correspondent covering football’s biggest spectacle, the visit offered a welcome detour into sporting history.

The modern World Cup is creating new heroes and fresh memories across North America, but places like Madison Square Garden remind us that every generation builds upon the achievements of those who came before.

As the countdown to the World Cup final continues, the images of Lionel Messi inspiring Argentina and Spain chasing another global crown dominate the headlines.

But a few hours in Manhattan provided a different perspective,  one that connected today’s football drama with the timeless legacy of Muhammad Ali and countless other sporting icons.

In a city that never sleeps, Madison Square Garden remains awake in history. And nowhere is that more evident than along the Walk of Fame, where every plaque tells a story and every step brings visitors closer to the legends who transformed an arena into a shrine of sporting greatness.

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• Summary

• Klopp named new Germany coach on a four-year deal
• Klopp says he’ll quit Germany job if family is targeted by media
• Former Liverpool boss succeeds Nagelsmann after early World Cup exit
• Krawietz, Lijnders and Bender join staff

Juergen Klopp began his tenure as Germany coach ​with a warning to the media on Friday, saying he would quit the job if his family was not left in peace, ‌as he was unveiled on a four-year contract.

The 59-year-old German, known for his high-intensity football and direct communication style, has been tasked with leading the four-times world champions into a new era after another disappointing World Cup campaign.

The former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager replaces Julian Nagelsmann , who stepped down from the role after Germany’s penalty shootout defeat by Paraguay in the round of ​32, extending the country’s run of poor World Cup performances following group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022.

“If you behave badly and don’t leave my ​family in peace then I’ll be gone, I’ll just turn away,” Klopp told reporters.

“I’m not doing this job for myself, ⁠I’m doing it for you. I’m taking this job even though I’ve seen how you’ve treated Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel.

“I love this job but I ​am always ready to call it quits if need be.”

Klopp, who had been working as Red Bull’s global head of soccer after leaving Liverpool in 2024, will ​be assisted in the role by Peter Krawietz, Pep Lijnders and former Germany international Sven Bender.

In a typically expressive introductory press conference, he said the national team could connect “us Germans like hardly anything else” and that he was “looking forward to this special task in German football.”

‘RIGHT MAN AT THE RIGHT TIME’

German football association (DFB) president Bernd Neuendorf said Klopp had been the federation’s preferred candidate ​from the outset.

“Our talks with Juergen only strengthened our belief that he’s the right man at the right time,” Neuendorf added.

Red Bull executive Oliver Mintzlaff said ​the company had agreed to release Klopp to allow him to take the Germany job.

“This wasn’t an easy decision but together with my fellow managing directors, Franz Watzlawick and Alexander ‌Kirchmayr, we ⁠decided to support his ambition,” Mintzlaff said.

Neuendorf said the federation would donate €1 million ($1.14 million) to Red Bull’s Wings for Life foundation instead of paying compensation. He confirmed Leipzig would host three Germany internationals in the coming years.

REBUILDING GERMANY

Germany’s latest early exit marked a third successive disappointing World Cup for a team that last lifted the trophy in 2014.

Klopp takes the job less than two years after joining Red Bull. He worked as a television pundit for German broadcasters during the World Cup ​and was widely viewed as the preferred ​choice among Germany fans.

However, he drew ⁠criticism during the tournament and later apologised after suggesting Nagelsmann’s time as national coach could be nearing an end.

One of Germany’s most successful club coaches, Klopp won two Bundesliga titles and the German Cup with Borussia Dortmund before taking charge of Liverpool in ​2015. During nine years at Anfield, he led the club to almost every major honour, including the Champions League ​and Premier League titles.

“This (Germany) ⁠role is the highlight of my career and I’ll give all I’ve got to be successful,” Klopp said.

“I’m far from perfect. We’ve got a few weeks until the first international break. I think that’s enough time to get prepared.

“I want to look towards the most successful Germany coaches who also developed in the most successful way.”

The DFB said ⁠earlier this ​month that Nagelsmann had asked to be released from his contract following Germany’s World Cup exit.

Nagelsmann, who took ​charge in 2023 and became the youngest coach to lead a team in a World Cup knockout match in four decades at 38 years old, had said after the defeat that he was “not ​someone to say ‘I’m stepping down’ just because we were eliminated.”

-Reuters

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