Infantino “conquers” the World Cup with a private jet! 66 hours in the air

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has come under criticism after an analysis by BBC Verify of Flightradar24 data suggested he attended 24 matches of the 2026 World Cup group stage by travelling across North America on a private jet.

According to the report, Infantino has been seen at stadiums in 15 of the 16 host cities of the tournament. Although FIFA has not officially confirmed the use of a private jet, flight data appears to match his movements and stadium appearances.

The FIFA president is reported to have made up to three flights in a single day, spending more than 66 hours in the air. The shortest flight was just 148 kilometres, from Philadelphia to Teterboro, while the longest was over 4,500 kilometres, from Vancouver to Miami.

According to estimates by BBC Verify, the climate impact of these trips is equivalent to the average annual emissions of 78 people.

The revelation comes at a time when FIFA has promoted its environmental goals for the 2026 World Cup, promising reduced emissions through regional grouping of teams, the use of public transport, electric vehicles, and existing stadiums.

In a response to the BBC, FIFA stated that Infantino’s travel is organized “based on the most efficient and lowest-cost solution in the relevant circumstances.” Meanwhile, Infantino himself has previously said that FIFA is committed to playing its part in protecting the climate and addressing other global issues.

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