FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially kicked off his campaign for re-election, with the 2027 presidential vote set to take place in Morocco—a key African ally where he has cultivated strong political ties. The election, scheduled for March 18, 2027, will be hosted by the North African nation, marking the second consecutive FIFA Congress in Africa. Infantino, who first won the presidency in a five-candidate race back in 2016, is expected to run unopposed for what would be his final four-year term.
"I am honored and humbled at the same time," Infantino told global soccer leaders, confirming his candidacy in a move that surprised few. Under his leadership, FIFA has built a financial fortress, with multi-billion dollar reserves fueled by the upcoming high-revenue 2026 World Cup in North America. This financial stability allows FIFA to pay at least $8 million to each of its 211 member federations during this presidential term—a powerful incentive for support.
Infantino's influence extends far beyond the boardroom. He earned more than $6 million last year alone, and his global profile has soared as a frequent visitor to world leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi Arabia, of course, is set to host the 2034 World Cup, further cementing Infantino's geopolitical reach.
The choice of Morocco as host for the 2027 Congress is telling. It continues a trend of FIFA meetings in emerging soccer markets, following recent gatherings in Canada, Paraguay, Thailand, Rwanda, and Qatar. Morocco, now Africa's premier soccer power, has been a big winner during Infantino's presidency. The country is also a co-host of the 2030 World Cup, alongside Spain and Portugal, making it a natural fit for this pivotal vote.
African voters, who make up 54 of FIFA's 211 members, have long been a decisive bloc in presidential elections. Infantino has wisely allied himself with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and its president, South African mining billionaire Patrice Motsepe. CAF and Motsepe have already pledged their support to Infantino, even before the official election period opened at this week's FIFA Congress in Vancouver.
For soccer fans and industry insiders, this election is more than a procedural formality—it's a signal of where the sport's power is shifting. With Africa and the Middle East increasingly at the center of FIFA's strategy, Infantino's re-election campaign is as much about global alliances as it is about the future of the game. Whether you're a fan of his leadership or not, one thing is clear: the race for 2027 is already underway, and it's being run from the heart of Africa.