FIFA President’s Bold Claim: Would Football Exist in 150 Countries Without FIFA?

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has made a controversial statement claiming that football would not exist in approximately 150 countries without FIFA’s involvement and support. This bold assertion raises questions about FIFA’s actual role in global football development versus the sport’s natural grassroots growth. As the World Cup 2026 approaches, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Infantino’s comments highlight ongoing debates about FIFA’s influence and necessity in world football. Critics argue that football’s popularity and development in many nations occurred organically, while supporters maintain that FIFA’s infrastructure, funding, and organizational support have been crucial for the sport’s global expansion.