FIFA President Gianni Infantino won a new four-year term until 2027 after standing unopposed in the 73rd FIFA Congress.
The 52 year-old said it was an honor to win a new term, stressing that it was a big responsibility that he plans to honor.
He also pledged a wonderful World Cup edition in 2026, noting that FIFA delivered on its promise of holding the best World Cup ever in Qatar.
In his acceptance speech, Infantino thanked his family, team and member associations, saying “All those who love me, I know there are so many, and those who hate me, I know there are few, I love you all, of course today especially.
“Being a president of FIFA is an incredible honor and it is an incredible privilege as well and it is also a great responsibility.
“I am truly humbled and touched by your support and I simply promise you, I will continue serving FIFA, serving football all over the world, serving all 211 member associations of FIFA,” Infantino said.
“Leadership is obviously about listening and learning, and you always learn and I think I am learning every day. And then leadership is also about acting, and I am certainly there to act.
“You can continue to trust on my commitment and the only thing I am asking you is for this my second term to continue working hard together to unite the world with football,” he added.
Meanwhile, President Paul Kagame joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FIFA Council, representatives of the 211 FIFA member states and other delegates for the 73rd FIFA Congress, held in Africa for the 4th time.
“Under the new FIFA World Cup format, the slots available for African teams will almost double, creating even more engagement and visibility on our continent. What is important is the plan to continue developing and anchoring football in Africa,” President Kagame told the congress.
The Rwandan leader stressed that “What the world needs, is to see more of the positive spirit of sportsmanship in our politics, rather than bringing political divisions into sports.”
According to more details,the men’s World Cup will increase from 32 teams to 48 for the next edition in North America in 2026, while the women’s World Cup will feature 32 teams for the first time in Australia and New Zealand later this year.