How FIFA President Gianni Infantino reached the pinnacle of power in soccer

NPR | By Rafael Nam

Published August 9, 2026 at 9:20 AM EDT

Gianni Infantino is facing intense heat over a failed plan to privatize the World Cup. He is a lawyer who rose to the pinnacle of soccer and is now trying to hold onto his job.

Rafael Nam

Rafael Nam is NPR's Senior Business Editor.

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