FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially announced his intention to run for a fourth term in the 2027 elections, addressing all 211 member associations during the FIFA Congress.
“I want to tell you – the 211 FIFA member associations – that I will be a candidate for the FIFA presidential election next year,” Infantino said. He also thanked members for their support over the past decade and their continued commitment to football.
First elected on February 26, 2016, at an extraordinary congress in Zurich, Infantino was re-elected in 2019 and 2023, both times unopposed. His initial term completed the remaining period left vacant by former president Sepp Blatter, who resigned following a corruption scandal.
Since taking office, Infantino has emphasized restoring FIFA’s credibility, claiming the organization is now “respected, reliable, and truly global,” engaging with institutions ranging from the United Nations to governments and major economic stakeholders.
A cornerstone of his leadership has been global football development. Over the past decade, FIFA has invested around $5 billion through the FIFA Forward Programme. For the 2027–2031 cycle, funding is set to increase by 20%, reaching $2.7 billion.
Politically, Infantino enters the race with a strong advantage. He has secured the backing of key football blocs, particularly Africa and South America. The 54 member associations of CAF unanimously supported his candidacy at the Vancouver Congress, while CONMEBOL had already endorsed him earlier, praising his leadership and development efforts.