Pressure is mounting on FIFA President Gianni Infantino, leading to speculation about potential successors. Victor Montagliani, the current president of CONCACAF, which oversees football in North and Central America and the Caribbean, is being discussed as a leading candidate to take over the helm of world football's governing body.
Montagliani, like Infantino, was elected to his CONCACAF position in 2016 with a mandate for governance reform. A former president of Canada Soccer, he played a significant role in the organization and execution of the 2026 World Cup, the first to be jointly hosted by three nations. His linguistic skills, being fluent in English, French, and Spanish, are considered an asset in international football diplomacy.
His political acumen has been evident in his handling of various FIFA initiatives. Montagliani has reportedly smoothed relations concerning former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's proposal for a biennial World Cup and has expressed skepticism about the feasibility of a 64-team tournament format. He has also taken a leading role in CONCACAF's hosting of the expanded Copa America in 2024, though he has downplayed the likelihood of it becoming a regular event.
In 2025, speaking at the Leaders conference, Montagliani articulated his belief in football's resilience, stating, "The game is bigger than world current leaders. Football will survive regimes. Does it cause a headache? Of course. You have to be realistic about that. That is the beauty of our game, it is bigger than any individual and country." This perspective suggests a leadership style that prioritizes the sport's enduring nature over individual figures or political shifts.
Montagliani's approach to his CONCACAF presidency, including campaigning extensively across all 41 member nations, highlights a hands-on and inclusive leadership style that could be transferable to the global stage. His experience in managing continental tournaments and navigating complex international football politics positions him as a credible contender should a vacancy arise at the FIFA presidency.