MAFUTSENI-Gianni Infantino’s grip on world football just tightened with Africa’s unanimous blessing.
The Confederation of African Football has thrown its full weight behind the FIFA President’s bid for re-election, backing him to lead the global game from 2027 to 2031. This is as per Foot Africa official website.
The decision was sealed on April 29, 2026 in Vancouver, where CAF’s 54 member associations met under President Dr Patrice Motsepe ahead of the 76th FIFA Congress. Eswatini’s delegation was led by EFA President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane and General Secretary Frederick Mngomezulu.
With Africa constituting FIFA’s largest voting bloc, the endorsement hands Infantino a formidable head start before the 2027 race begins. No rival candidate has yet emerged.
Infantino, 56, succeeded Sepp Blatter in 2016. He has already served three mandates, though debate persists over whether his initial, part-term stint counts fully under FIFA’s three-term limit — a technicality that could clear his path to 2031.
Under his tenure, Africa has seen tangible gains including more World Cup slots, expanded development funding through the FIFA Forward programme, and nine African nations set to feature when the 48-team tournament debuts in 2026.
The next presidential vote will take place at the 77th FIFA Congress in 2027, hosted by Morocco.
For now, the message from CAF is clear and unanimous that Africa stands behind Infantino.
With 54 votes in his corner, the incumbent starts the contest not as a candidate, but as the frontrunner.
Gianni Infantino’s grip on world football just tightened with Africa’s unanimous blessing.