Exclusive: Nearly 200 FIFA Member Associations Back Infantino For 3rd Term

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced today that nearly 200 of the organization’s 211 member associations have pledged their support for his re-election, speaking at the FIFA Summit on June 14, 2026.

Addressing delegates at the high-level summit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and global football governance, Infantino described the endorsements as a powerful demonstration of unity across the football world. The Swiss-Italian leader, elected in 2016 after major reforms, secured unopposed re-elections in 2019 and 2023. His term ends in 2027.

He noted particularly strong backing from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONMEBOL, along with positive signals from other regions.

Africa and Asia together account for nearly half of FIFA’s membership, meaning the reported level of support gives Infantino a commanding position ahead of the 2027 presidential election, expected to be held at the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco.

In his address at the FIFA Summit, Infantino emphasised the organisation’s financial and sporting achievements during his presidency. FIFA’s revenue has increased significantly, and more funds have been allocated to national associations for development projects, infrastructure improvements, and grassroots programmes.

Key achievements include expanding the men’s World Cup to 48 teams, with the 2026 tournament co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico generating global excitement. Infantino has also advanced women’s football, implemented VAR technology, and launched worldwide campaigns against racism and discrimination.

He praised these advances but emphasised the need for continued focus on good governance, transparency, and equitable opportunities, especially for smaller member federations that depend heavily on FIFA’s assistance programmes.