The scale of the competition provides some explanation. The first 48-team World Cup is being staged across three countries, creating logistical demands far removed from the compact setting of Qatar 2022.
Reports suggest Infantino has attended nearly half of the tournament’s matches, sometimes watching fixtures in different cities on the same day. That level of movement may demonstrate commitment to ’s showpiece event, but it also raises obvious questions about cost, emissions and priorities.
A private-aviation executive cited in the report said the fuel bill and environmental impact of such a schedule could be substantial. For a governing body increasingly expected to discuss sustainability, the optics are difficult to ignore.
The appearances are not simply about football. Infantino has reportedly been seen alongside national federation leaders and senior political figures, including at the United States’ opening match.
That visibility can strengthen relationships with the officials who shape ’s elections and policy. Abernethy’s point is blunt: being present offers both influence and access, while revealing which relationships matter most to the president.
Public reaction, however, has not always been warm. Some stadium and broadcast appearances have reportedly drawn boos, while controversy surrounding a decision involving United States forward Folarin Balogun added another layer to the debate over ’s political reach.
The next test will be whether Infantino’s constant presence translates into lasting authority or becomes a symbol of football’s distance from ordinary supporters. With the next Congress vote approaching, his travel diary may prove to be more than a curiosity-it could become part of the wider argument over leadership, accountability and power.