FIFA president Gianni Infantino has drawn criticism after a letter he sent to the Argentine Football Association following the 2026 World Cup final was leaked, with the tone widely seen as tone-deaf given the circumstances. The final, won by Spain after extra time against Argentina, was marred by ugly scenes as brawls broke out among players and staff once the match ended, overshadowing what had otherwise been hailed as a hugely successful tournament.

The flashpoint centred on Argentina's Leandro Paredes, who appeared to grab Spain's Eric García by the throat, triggering further scuffles across the pitch. Infantino's leaked letter reportedly failed to adequately address the seriousness of the brawl, prompting accusations that FIFA's leadership was glossing over a damaging incident rather than confronting it directly, even as Infantino separately praised the Trump administration's role in the tournament's success.