Gianni Infantino’s current term as FIFA president is scheduled to end in 2027, but the longtime soccer executive has confirmed that he plans to seek another four-year term leading the sport’s global governing body.
Infantino was re-elected without opposition at the 73rd FIFA Congress in Kigali, Rwanda, on March 16, 2023. That election gave him a four-year mandate covering the 2023-2027 FIFA presidential cycle. (Inside FIFA)
When Is the Next FIFA Presidential Election?
The next FIFA presidential election is expected to take place during the 2027 FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco.
Infantino confirmed at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver on April 30, 2026, that he intends to stand for re-election. Should he win, he would begin another four-year term running from 2027 through 2031. (Inside FIFA)
Infantino is widely expected to enter the election as the favorite, particularly after reportedly receiving support from a large number of FIFA’s 211 member associations. FIFA presidents are elected by the organization’s member associations, with each eligible federation receiving one vote.
How Long Has Gianni Infantino Been FIFA President?
Infantino has served as FIFA president since February 2016, when he was elected to complete the presidential cycle that began before Sepp Blatter left office.
He was subsequently elected or re-elected in:
- 2016
- 2019
- 2023
Although Infantino has been in office since 2016, FIFA determined that his initial period from 2016 to 2019 did not count as a complete term for the purposes of the organization’s presidential term limits. FIFA said that Infantino was therefore completing his first official term when the 2019-2023 cycle concluded. (FIFA)
Can Gianni Infantino Remain FIFA President Until 2031?
Yes. Under FIFA’s interpretation of its term-limit rules, Infantino is eligible to run again in 2027 and potentially remain president until 2031.
FIFA’s rules generally limit the president and FIFA Council members to three four-year terms, whether those terms are consecutive or not. However, because Infantino’s partial period from 2016 to 2019 was not counted as a full term, another victory in 2027 would be treated as his third official term. (FIFA)
That means the 2027-2031 cycle would likely be Infantino’s final allowable term under FIFA’s existing rules.
Who Could Challenge Infantino in 2027?
As of July 2026, no major challenger has formally emerged with enough international support to seriously threaten Infantino’s position.
A candidate would need backing from FIFA member associations and support across multiple continental confederations. Infantino’s relationships with national federations in Africa, Asia, South America and other regions have made him a formidable candidate ahead of the 2027 vote.
However, the nomination process and final list of candidates must still be completed before the election.
Gianni Infantino’s FIFA Presidency
Infantino’s presidency has included several major changes to international soccer, including the expansion of the men’s World Cup from 32 to 48 teams beginning with the 2026 tournament.
His time in office has also included the expansion of FIFA competitions, increased revenue projections, changes to the international soccer calendar and continued debates regarding governance, scheduling and FIFA’s relationship with national federations.
A victory in 2027 would allow Infantino to oversee preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will feature matches in Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
When Is Gianni Infantino’s Term Up?
Gianni Infantino’s current term as FIFA president officially runs through 2027.
He has confirmed that he will seek re-election during the 2027 FIFA Congress. If elected again, Infantino would serve another four-year term and could remain in charge of FIFA until 2031.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Gianni Infantino’s current FIFA term end?
Infantino’s current four-year term ends in 2027.
Is Gianni Infantino running for FIFA president again?
Yes. Infantino confirmed in April 2026 that he intends to seek re-election in 2027.
How long could Infantino remain FIFA president?
If he wins the 2027 election, he could remain FIFA president through 2031.
When did Gianni Infantino become FIFA president?
Infantino was first elected FIFA president in February 2016.
Where will the 2027 FIFA presidential election take place?
The election is expected to be held during the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco.