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Gianni Infantino

Gianni Infantino

FIFA President

Appears in 3 stories

Office: President of FIFA
Born: March 23, 1970, Brig-Glis
Education: University of Fribourg, University of Neuchâtel
Previous offices: UEFA General Secretary

Last updated Nov 1, 2026

Stories

Iran withdraws from 2026 World Cup after U.S.-Israeli strikes kill supreme leader

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Managing World Cup logistics amid Iran's withdrawal

Iran qualified as a non-host nation for the 2026 World Cup, then withdrew a year later—the first qualified nation in the modern era to do so for political reasons. Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali announced the withdrawal three months after U.S.-Israeli military strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and devastated the country's military infrastructure.

Updated May 30

U.S. walks away from its flagship FIFA TV bribery case

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Partnering with Trump as U.S. prepares to co‑host 2026 World Cup

U.S. prosecutors spent years proving that Hernan Lopez, a former Fox International Channels CEO, and the sports marketing firm Full Play bribed South American soccer officials to lock down lucrative TV rights. A Brooklyn jury convicted them in 2023.

Updated May 10

North America’s 2026 World Cup: from expansion gamble to mega-event reality

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Architect of 2026 expansion and joint hosting model

In January 2017, FIFA voted to expand the men's World Cup from 32 to 48 teams starting in 2026 — the largest tournament in the competition's history. In June 2018, the "United 2026" bid from the United States, Canada and Mexico beat Morocco to win hosting rights, with promises of record revenues and NFL-scale stadiums across 16 cities.

Updated May 10