The 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered unforgettable football, but it has also been overshadowed by a series of controversies that are now placing FIFA President Gianni Infantino under increasing scrutiny ahead of next year's presidential election.

The first major incident involved the decision to overturn the suspension of U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the quarterfinal against Belgium despite his previous dismissal. The ruling sparked widespread debate over the consistency of FIFA's disciplinary process.

Another controversial moment came during Argentina's match against Egypt, where French referee François Letexier faced criticism for several key decisions throughout the game, once again raising questions about refereeing standards and the implementation of VAR during the tournament.

The timing is significant, as Infantino has already confirmed his intention to seek another term as FIFA president during the organization's 77th Congress in March 2027.

Political dynamics could also play an important role. UEFA has openly criticized several FIFA decisions in recent years, while the Confederation of African Football (CAF), one of the most influential voting blocs, continues to monitor developments closely, especially with Morocco set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.

While it remains unclear whether these controversies will directly affect the election outcome, the events of the 2026 World Cup have intensified the spotlight on FIFA's leadership and could become a central issue in the campaign leading up to the vote.

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