Infantino's Davos Jibe: A Clever Quip About English Fans Ahead of 2026 World Cup
22 January 2026
In Davos, a Controversial Quip About English Fans
FIFA president Gianni Infantino sparked broad debate after delivering a sardonic joke aimed at British supporters.
He recalled the sharp criticisms that surrounded Qatar 2022, insisting the tournament passed smoothly while addressing World Economic Forum leaders in Davos today.
Infantino quipped, "When football began to roll and magic sparked at Qatar, we recorded almost no incidents... for the first time in World Cup history, not a single Brit was arrested during the tournament (smiling). Imagine that! This really is something special."
Speaking in defense of the upcoming edition hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026, he added, "The last edition was fantastic, and the next one will be the same. People seek chances to meet, celebrate, and connect, and that is what we aim to provide."
Infantino described the final as "the greatest celebration of humanity," despite concerns raised by human-rights groups about some policies of the administration of US President Donald Trump.
Punchlines:
Punchline 1: If jokes were goals, Infantino would have a hat-trick.
Punchline 2: Davos already knows football travels faster than politics.
