Who Might Take Over FIFA? Five Likely Candidates Ranked

Gianni Infantino’s tenure at the top of world football has never been more uncertain. After he tried to open the men’s and women’s World Cups to private investors – a move that was ripped apart by UEFA and a chorus of critics – the Swiss administrator pulled the proposal in a matter of days. The backlash was swift, and now talk of an emergency FIFA Congress or even a vote of no confidence is circulating in boardrooms across the globe.

All that drama has shifted the spotlight onto a handful of people who, for one reason or another, keep popping up in the conversation about who could replace Infantino if he steps down, is forced out, or simply decides to retire. Sports Illustrated recently put together a ranking of five front‑runners, weighing their experience, influence and, frankly, their appetite for the job.

5. Arsène Wenger

The former Arsenal manager may look like an outsider, but he’s anything but a newcomer to FIFA. Since hanging up his boots, Wenger has taken on the role of Chief of Global Football Development, helping shape the sport’s long‑term vision. He’s not shy about bold ideas – remember the experimental “daylight offside” rule tried in Canada earlier this year? – and his reputation for thoughtful, measured commentary could be a breath of fresh air for a governing body that’s been marred by secrecy.

That said, his past praise for Infantino and his limited political experience within football’s power structures make him a long‑shot. Still, his sheer name‑recognition and the respect he commands worldwide would certainly help FIFA reboot its public image.

4. Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa

As the president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and a senior vice‑president of FIFA, Sheikh Salman wields considerable influence already. A vocal critic of Infantino’s failed investment scheme – calling it “totally unacceptable” in an open letter to the AFC’s 47 members – he’s not afraid to call a spade a spade.

He first challenged Infantino back in the 2016 FIFA presidential election, losing narrowly, and he’s been a fixture in Asian football leadership since 2013. With a decade‑plus of experience running a continent’s soccer affairs and a solid footing within FIFA’s hierarchy, he would be one of the most qualified candidates on paper. His term as AFC president runs until 2027, so a transition to the global stage could be seamless if the timing aligns.

3. Nasser Al‑Khelaifi

The Qatari businessman who runs Paris Saint‑Germain is no stranger to high‑stakes football politics. Under his watch, PSG has amassed a trophy cabinet that includes multiple Ligue 1 titles and a historic back‑to‑back Champions League final appearance. Beyond the club, Al‑Khelaifi chairs the European Football Clubs (formerly the European Clubs’ Association), an organization that ballooned to more than 800 members after the European Super League debacle – a saga eerily reminiscent of Infantino’s own private‑investment ambitions.

He also sits on UEFA’s executive committee and the FIFA Council, giving him a front‑row seat to the sport’s governance. On paper, his résumé checks every box: top‑level club leadership, global club representation, and intimate knowledge of both UEFA and FIFA. The catch? Sources say he “genuinely, genuinely, genuinely doesn’t want the job.” So even if he’s the perfect fit on paper, his personal desire (or lack thereof) could be the deciding factor.

2. Victor Montagliani

Canada’s Victor Montagliani has quietly become a strong contender. As CONCACAF president since 2016, he has overseen a period of notable growth, including the expansion of the 2024 Copa América – a tournament that, for the first time in decades, ventured outside South America.

Before that, Montagliani led the Canadian Soccer Association and was instrumental in Canada’s successful bid to co‑host the 2026 World Cup. He’s earned a reputation as a steady, diplomatic operator who can navigate the complex politics of multiple confederations. While he may not have the flashiness of a club billionaire, his deep‑rooted experience across North and Central America could make him an appealing compromise candidate.

1. A Dark Horse – Still Unnamed

Interestingly, the ranking leaves room for a surprise entrant – perhaps a senior FIFA Council member who has stayed out of the limelight, or a reform‑focused administrator from a smaller confederation. In moments of crisis, football has a habit of pulling unexpected names forward, and many insiders whisper that a “clean‑slate” candidate could rally enough support to satisfy the 20 % threshold (43 associations) needed for a formal challenge. With UEFA alone representing 55 members, the dynamics are fluid, and the next few weeks could bring a fresh face into the conversation.

Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: the next FIFA president will inherit a sport at a crossroads – battling questions of transparency, commercialisation, and global growth. The candidates above each bring a different blend of experience and philosophy, and the football world will be watching closely to see who, if anyone, can steer the game into a more stable future.