Gianni Infantino is poised to secure another term as FIFA president, receiving unanimous support from African football associations, multiple reports confirmed on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
The backing from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) solidifies Infantino’s position as he seeks re-election. This widespread support across the continent comes after FIFA invested over $1 billion in African football development since 2016, according to a statement released during the 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed gratitude to FIFA for its investment, particularly highlighting the opportunity for four African teams – Al Ahly FC, Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns FC, and Wydad AC – to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. The tournament will feature competitive matches against teams from around the globe.
Infantino emphasized the importance of providing opportunities and hope for African footballers, noting that players from 19 African nations participated in the FIFA Club World Cup, including nine countries making their debut in the competition – Burkina Faso, Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
“It was a huge success this summer with four African teams. But almost, I would say, more important, with African countries represented in the 32 clubs from all over the world,” Infantino said.
The FIFA Forward Programme, launched in 2016, is projected to provide an estimated $1.28 billion in support to Africa by the end of 2026, funding infrastructure projects, competitions, and operational costs for FIFA’s 211 Member Associations and confederations.
This unified support from Africa, coupled with backing from the Asian Football Confederation, suggests a strong likelihood of Infantino continuing to lead FIFA. The election is expected to be a formality, allowing the current president to continue overseeing the development of global football.
