Just weeks after FIFA celebrated the 2026 World Cup that showcased the tournament's historic expansion to 48 teams, world football's governing body has been plunged into a crisis, with the Middle East and North Africa figuring prominently as Morocco and Saudi Arabia prepare to host the next two World Cups. 

What happened: FIFA President Gianni Infantino is fighting to keep his job after the explosive backlash to his controversial investment plan for world football that has shaken the sport's foundations. Amid it all, the Middle East has not stayed on the sidelines, with the region emerging as a key arena in the political battle that could redirect the sport's future. 

The crisis erupted soon after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup in July, when reports revealed that Infantino was pursuing an ambitious plan to bring outside investment into FIFA through a new commercial entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise, that would oversee flagship competitions, including the World Cup and Club World Cup. The proposal, backed by investor Joshua Kushner, the brother of President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, reportedly sought to raise billions of dollars by selling a 20% stake to private investors in a deal valuing the new venture at $20 billion.

The leaked plan, which was formally announced on July 28, triggered fierce criticism. UEFA, European football's governing body, denounced the proposal as an opaque backroom deal, while opposition quickly spread across the game. Within days, FIFA shelved the scheme, but the controversy has continued to gather momentum, with officials calling for Infantino's resignation and questions emerging over whether he can remain on course for another term starting in March 2027, when FIFA members elect a president.