Infantino Gets a Lift as Montagliani Eyes One Last Concacaf Term

Gianni Infantino's bid to keep the Fifa presidency looks a little safer after a development from Concacaf. Victor Montagliani, the head of the confederation covering North America, Central America and the Caribbean, has indicated he wants to remain in charge for one more term, and that he intends it to be his last.

For Infantino, the timing matters. Fifa's presidential election is the key political contest in world football, and a president's standing depends heavily on the support of the six continental confederations. Concacaf is a large voting bloc, and a stable, cooperative leader there is a practical asset for anyone seeking re-election. Montagliani's stated plans suggest the region is unlikely to become a source of opposition in the run-up to the vote.

The move also tells us something about Montagliani himself. Describing a term as his final one signals a leader who wants to finish a long-term agenda rather than look for a new post. Whether he can deliver on that will depend on Concacaf's internal politics, its relationships with member associations, and the continued growth of football in North America ahead of the 2026 World Cup and beyond.

Nothing about the outcome is settled. Fifa elections are decided by member associations at Congress, and candidates still need to build coalitions and answer to voters who may have their own priorities. Still, a confederation president publicly backing continuity gives Infantino a clear talking point and removes some uncertainty from a race that many in the sport have been watching closely.

We will continue to follow how the confederations line up as the Fifa election approaches.