Gianni Infantino was born on 23 March 1970 in Brig, Switzerland, to Italian immigrant parents. He studied law at the University of Fribourg, then turned his passion for sport and law into a career dedicated to fairness and development in football. Early on, he worked as Secretary‑General of the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES), and later rose through the ranks of the European football world at UEFA — as Director of Legal Affairs and Club Licensing, then Deputy General Secretary and finally Secretary General. During his time at UEFA he helped shape reforms aimed at safeguarding integrity, improving club licensing and licensing systems, and expanding European competitions to include more nations and clubs.
In February 2016, Infantino became the ninth President of FIFA, taking the helm at a pivotal moment for the organization. Under his leadership, FIFA has pushed for growth, inclusion, and a broader global reach while striving to enhance football governance and development around the world. Perhaps nothing illustrates Infantino’s ambition — and his capacity to transform dreams into reality — better than his work to deliver the FIFA World Cup 2026, to be co‑hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico. He championed the expanded 48‑team, 104‑match format and helped unveil the tournament’s official brand, calling it a “game‑changer” and emphasizing its message of unity, diversity and global inclusion — a World Cup “for all.”
In 2025, as the world prepared for the final draw, Infantino visited potential host‑city sites such as Philadelphia to meet organising committees and local authorities. He spoke passionately about the legacy the tournament could leave — not just in terms of games played, but in inspiring a new generation of football fans, developing local infrastructures, and spreading the love of the sport across continents. Through all these efforts, Infantino has shown a vision anchored in unity and global connection. He sees football not only as a game, but as a bridge — between cultures, nations, and people. The 2026 World Cup under his presidency promises to be more than a competition: a historic celebration of global unity, diversity, and shared passion.
Gianni Infantino’s story, from humble beginnings to the highest seat in football’s global governing body, stands as a testament to what leadership, vision, and dedication can achieve. With the World Cup 2026 on the horizon, he remains a driving force — steering the sport toward a future where football truly is for everyone.
Since his election at the Extraordinary FIFA Congress on 26 February 2016, Gianni Infantino has focused his presidency on repositioning FIFA as a credible, trustworthy, modern, professional, and accountable organisation.
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