What Happened to Gianni Infantino?
Gianni Infantino has served as FIFA President since 2016, overseeing significant expansions to the World Cup and focusing on global football development. He was re-elected unopposed in March 2023 for a term until 2027 and has recently been involved in discussions regarding Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup amidst geopolitical tensions, while also facing scrutiny for his close relationship with former US President Donald Trump.
Quick Answer
Gianni Infantino is the current President of FIFA, having been re-elected unopposed in March 2023 to serve until 2027. As of April 2026, he is actively involved in preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, particularly addressing concerns about Iran's participation due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts. His presidency has been marked by efforts to expand FIFA competitions and develop football globally, alongside controversies regarding human rights and his political affiliations.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Brig, Valais, Switzerland
Giovanni Vincenzo Infantino was born in Brig, Valais, Switzerland.
Elected FIFA President
Gianni Infantino was elected as the President of FIFA, succeeding Sepp Blatter.
Oversaw the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia
As FIFA President, Infantino oversaw the organization of the 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia.
Re-elected FIFA President
Infantino was re-elected unopposed as FIFA President for his first full term.
Became an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member
Gianni Infantino was elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee.
Oversaw the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
Infantino presided over the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, a tournament that faced significant human rights controversies.
Re-elected unopposed as FIFA President until 2027
Infantino was re-elected by acclamation for a second term as FIFA President during the 73rd FIFA Congress in Kigali, Rwanda, extending his mandate until 2027.
Announced Saudi Arabia as 2034 FIFA World Cup host
Infantino announced that Saudi Arabia would host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, a decision influenced by FIFA's restricted hosting eligibility.
UEFA leaders walk out of FIFA Congress
Infantino arrived two hours late to the 75th FIFA Congress in Asunción after meeting with Donald Trump, leading to a protest walkout by UEFA leaders.
Introduced the FIFA Peace Prize
Gianni Infantino introduced the FIFA Peace Prize as a new initiative by the organization.
Awarded inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to Donald Trump
Infantino presented the first FIFA Peace Prize to Donald Trump, a move that drew an ethics complaint from an advocacy group.
Became a Lebanese citizen
Gianni Infantino completed the process of obtaining Lebanese citizenship, following earlier meetings with Lebanese officials.
Spoke at FII PRIORITY investment Summit
Infantino addressed the FII PRIORITY investment Summit in Miami, highlighting the anticipated significant economic impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Confirmed Iran's participation in 2026 FIFA World Cup
Infantino confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as scheduled, despite ongoing geopolitical conflicts and calls for relocation of matches.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Gianni Infantino, born Giovanni Vincenzo Infantino, was initially elected as FIFA President on February 26, 2016, succeeding his suspended predecessor, Sepp Blatter. He was subsequently re-elected unopposed on June 5, 2019, and again on March 16, 2023, securing his presidency for a term running from 2023 to 2027. His tenure has been characterized by a strong focus on expanding FIFA's flagship competitions, notably the FIFA World Cup, which will increase to 48 teams, and the introduction of a revised 32-team FIFA Club World Cup. Infantino has also championed increased prize money for the FIFA Women's World Cup and the implementation of the FIFA Forward Programme, aimed at boosting football development across all 211 FIFA member associations.
However, Infantino's presidency has not been without controversy. He oversaw the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, a tournament that drew significant criticism regarding human rights issues, which Infantino often defended or minimized. More recently, he played a pivotal role in the selection of Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, a decision that followed FIFA's restriction of hosting eligibility to Asia or Oceania, effectively paving the way for the Saudi bid. His close relationship with political figures, particularly former U.S. President Donald Trump, has also attracted scrutiny. In November 2025, Infantino introduced the FIFA Peace Prize, presenting the inaugural award to Trump in December 2025, an act that led to an ethics complaint filed by the advocacy group FairSquare, citing concerns about political bias and FIFA's neutrality.
As of April 3, 2026, Gianni Infantino continues to lead FIFA, with his current term extending until 2027. He has been actively involved in the final preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A significant recent development involves his firm stance on Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup. Despite ongoing geopolitical conflicts involving the United States and Israel, and earlier suggestions from the Iranian Football Federation to relocate matches, Infantino has repeatedly confirmed that Iran will participate as scheduled, with their group stage matches set to take place in Los Angeles and Seattle. He also attended the FII PRIORITY investment Summit in Miami in March 2026, where he emphasized the substantial economic impact expected from the 2026 World Cup. In a personal development, Infantino acquired Lebanese citizenship in February 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Gianni Infantino made different choices?