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Montagliani runs, challenges Infantino over $4.2B deal

7/31/2026

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Summary

Montagliani Runs

Victor Montagliani, CONCACAF president, announced his candidacy for FIFA president in the March 2027 election, challenging Gianni Infantino.
Gianni Infantino expected to run unopposed, as he did in 2019 and 2023.
CONCACAF and AFC rejected Infantino’s plan to raise over $4 billion by selling part of the World Cup.
FIFA senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest of the financing plan.

Summary

FIFA Sells Stake

FIFA will create FIFA Forward Enterprises and sell a 20 % stake to Thrive Eternal, led by investor Joshua Kushner, for $4.2 billion.
Fast-Forward Programme will give the 211 members a $20 million payment and raise funding from $8 million to $20 million for 2027-2030.
Approval requires at least 106 votes by a 19 September deadline.
Critics warn the deal could expand the World Cup to 64 teams and make it biennial, straining player welfare.

History

Historical Context

The idea, first raised by Sepp Blatter in 2013, led to the 2017 FIFA Congress approving a move from 32 to 48 teams; Gianni Infantino later confirmed the 48-team format for the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani, who helped launch the 2026 joint bid, was instrumental in the expansion process.

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Montagliani Runs

Victor Montagliani, CONCACAF president, announced his candidacy for FIFA president in the March 2027 election, challenging Gianni Infantino.
Gianni Infantino expected to run unopposed, as he did in 2019 and 2023.
CONCACAF and AFC rejected Infantino’s plan to raise over $4 billion by selling part of the World Cup.
FIFA senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest of the financing plan.

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