Football fans have noticed it throughout the 2026 World Cup – no matter which match is on, Gianni Infantino always seems to appear on screen. As it turns out, that may not be by accident.
According to reports, FIFA president Gianni Infantino is the subject of a broadcasting clause that requires television directors to show him during matches, ensuring his presence is regularly seen by millions of viewers around the world.
Why Infantino Is Always on TV
Infantino has been one of the most visible figures throughout the tournament, attending matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
While many assumed broadcasters simply chose to show him, reports suggest there is actually a contractual requirement behind those camera shots.
Copa90 presenter Eli Mengem claimed he was told by a reliable broadcasting source that the official World Cup feed is instructed to show Infantino once in each half whenever he attends a match.
He also alleged that broadcasters avoid showing those shots inside stadiums because they often attract boos from supporters.
Similar Claims Emerged at the 2022 World Cup
This isn’t the first time such reports have surfaced.
During the Qatar World Cup in 2022, The New Yorker reported that directors producing FIFA’s official television feed were instructed to show Infantino in the crowd once per match, provided he wasn’t looking at his phone.
The alleged instruction sparked criticism at the time, with many fans arguing that the focus should remain on the football rather than FIFA’s president.
Infantino Has Travelled Thousands of Miles
Despite the tournament being spread across three countries, Infantino has remained a constant presence.
Reports claim he has already travelled more than 31,000 miles on private flights while attending at least one match almost every day of the competition.
His itinerary has included stops in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Miami and Seattle as he continues to follow the tournament from stadium to stadium.
With fewer matches remaining in the knockout stages, attending games is expected to become even easier for the FIFA chief.
Fans Continue to Debate FIFA’s Influence
Infantino has already been at the centre of several talking points during this year’s World Cup, including defending the tournament’s hydration breaks and other organisational decisions.
Now, the reports surrounding television coverage have created another debate among supporters, with many questioning whether football’s biggest tournament should give so much attention to its governing body’s president.
The Bottom Line
Gianni Infantino’s frequent appearances during World Cup broadcasts may not simply be the choice of television directors. Reports claim broadcasters are required to show the FIFA president during matches, ensuring he remains one of the tournament’s most recognisable faces both on and off the pitch.
