The open secret is now official. Gianni Infantino concluded the 76th FIFA Congress by making an announcement to the 211 member federations, gathered at the Vancouver Convention Centre: As the election period begins today, I want to tell you first, with honor and humility, that I will be a candidate for the FIFA presidency election next year. "The Swiss man's desire to seek another term was never in doubt. He has just over ten months to convince voters in preparation for the next Congress, scheduled for March 18, 2027 in Rabat, Morocco."
Three confederations behind him
However, we won't have to wait that long to find out if Gianni Infantino will remain in office until 2031. In fact, his re-election seemed assured even before he officially declared his candidacy. Three weeks ago, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), which represents 10 federations, announced its unanimous support for the incumbent president. On Thursday, the Confederation of African Football (54 members) and the Asian Football Confederation (47) did the same. FIFA is in a better position than ever " justifies the president of the AFC, Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa.
In office since 2016, Gianni Infantino has delighted many within federations and confederations by expanding the World Cup: this year, the tournament will feature 48 teams, compared to 32 previously. A more inclusive format: Africa has doubled its number of qualified countries (10 this year, compared to five in 2022), Oceania is now guaranteed a place, Asia and Europe have each secured three additional spots, while CONCACAF (North, Central America and the Caribbean) and CONMEBOL have obtained two more than in 2022. This will allow all these organizations to earn more money.
Million Dollar Gianni
FIFA's exponential revenue growth is one of Gianni Infantino's main arguments. Revenue for the 2022-2026 cycle will be close to $13 billion (approximately €11 billion). The governing body plans to distribute $2,7 billion by 2031 for the development of football worldwide as part of its Forward program. Given the commercial success Having already addressed the issue of the 2026 World Cup, the FIFA Council has also just increased the amount to be distributed to the 48 participating teams by 15%. This sum will now reach $871 million.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino: ""The benefits that we can generate from a (FIFA) World Cup, from a (FIFA) Club World Cup, from a (FIFA) Women's World Cup, from a (FIFA) Women's Club World Cup, and so on and forth, go back to the entire world, because we want to give every… pic.twitter.com/CWgBQRqZMC
- FIFA Media (@fifamedia) April 30, 2026
« The benefits of a World Cup, a Club World Cup, a Women's World Cup, a Women's Club World Cup, and so on, accrue to the entire world.Infantino insisted in Vancouver. FIFA has 211 members, and these 211 members are equal. You are all equal in our eyes. We will leave no one behind. We will invest, we will generate revenue, and we will help ensure that all of you – our 211 members – are more integrated than ever into the global football ecosystem. »
Even as the overwhelming favorite, Gianni Infantino may face competition. Cameroonian Jean-Crépin Nyamsi has officially entered the race. After several years of consultations and deliberation, he says he is… ready to lead world football He also claims to have guarantees of obtaining the required endorsements. Even though many things can happen between now and March 2027, it is undoubtedly a mountain that stands before him.
