Infantino and the FIFA fiasco at the 2026 World Cup: better management

Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, has drawn strong criticism over his role in organizing the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. His close ties with former US President Donald Trump and a certain laxity in defending the rights of players and supporters have marred this major sporting event.

Present during Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony at the White House, Infantino quickly showed that he maintained a close relationship with the political figure. Shortly after, noting Trump's displeasure at not having received the Nobel Peace Prize, the head of FIFA created a trophy with a pompous name but empty of content to award it to Trump, saluting his so-called promotion of peace and unity in the world.

But the matter does not end there. During the 2026 World Cup, several incidents shook the competition. The Iranian team was forced to stay less than 24 hours in the American city where they were to play, having to stay in Mexico, a sign of unequal treatment. Furthermore, Omar Artan, a Somali referee recognized as one of the best in the world, was removed from the tournament without sufficient explanations, which cast doubt on the transparency of refereeing management.

The controversial measures at the American borders have also affected certain players and supporters, hindering access to the country despite valid visas and tickets, while the excessive price of tickets to attend matches has provoked general indignation. Faced with these dysfunctions, FIFA remained silent, visibly favoring American interests and the relationship with Trump rather than defending the principles of world football.

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The ultimate crisis came with the suspension of Falorin Balogun, striker for the United States selection. Infantino lifted a match sanction following a personal phone call from Donald Trump, an unprecedented favor that shocked the global football community. Only the victory of Belgium, determined to play despite this injustice, was able to alleviate general anger.

This episode highlighted an Infantino considered by many as a man who could be influenced, even complicit in the political excesses surrounding the World Cup. UEFA itself criticized the decision, denouncing its negative impact on the integrity of the sport.

Faced with these revelations, the credibility of Gianni Infantino is seriously called into question. His continued leadership of FIFA after such a fiasco seems unlikely in the eyes of many, even if he does not plan to resign.

This 2026 World Cup will certainly go down in history, but not for the right reasons. Between political concessions, scandals and mismanagement, it is considered one of the most poorly organized at the start of the century, tarnishing the prestige of football's biggest competition.

In conclusion, if Donald Trump's responsibility in this crisis is beyond doubt, it is Gianni Infantino who bears the heavy burden of having allowed world football to be exploited at the highest level. An episode which calls for a profound reform of FIFA governance.