Rabat, the new FIFA field
Morocco has just scored a great goal: it will host the FIFA Congress in 2027. The event is in Rabat, and it is not just any meeting. There the re-election of Gianni Infantino will be defined, who is aiming for his last four-year term.
The announcement came this Thursday, and Infantino himself released it with that tone of his: “I feel honored and, at the same time, humble.” Come on, we can already see what will be a solo ride coming, because so far there is no rival in sight.
The FIFA money machine
FIFA is armored. With reserves in the billions, thanks to the 2026 World Cup in North America, each member federation will receive at least $8 million during this cycle. Infantino, for his part, pocketed more than 6 million last year. And meanwhile, he rubs shoulders with Trump and the Saudi crown prince, owners of the 2034 World Cup.
“FIFA’s financial security allows it to pay at least 8 million dollars during this presidential term to each member federation with the right to vote.”
African power in the game
Morocco is not just the host: it is the new heavyweight of African football. The CAF, led by Patrice Motsepe, has already promised its support to Infantino. And the 54 African votes are key in these elections. The North African country will also co-organize the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
Fouzi Lekjaa, the strongman of Moroccan football, is vice president of CAF and member of the FIFA Council. Under his command, the men’s team made history at Qatar 2022 by reaching the semifinals. That prompted the candidacy for the World Cup, and now also for this congress.
Infantino’s path
Infantino came to power in 2016, in the midst of the corruption scandal that brought down Blatter. His initial three-year term did not count towards the 12-year limit, so he could be until 2031. By then, it will be 15 years at the helm of world football.
Morocco, meanwhile, continues to add. He organized the African Cup of Nations this year, although with controversy: the final was chaos, and the title was decided on the desks. But that doesn’t take away the shine of his moment. Rabat 2027 will be its showcase, and FIFA, its stage.
