FIFA president Gianni Infantino has strict World Cup clause which broadcasters are contractually forced to follow

As the President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino has been an ever-present figure at the 2026 World Cup, but it appears that his omniscience isn't a coincidence.

Infantino has been involved in multiple controversies as the FIFA President racks in an eye-watering salary for his involvement in pioneering the World Cup.

Namely, his stance on the hydration breaks has riled football fans, as the powerful figure has doubled down on their implementation and claimed that they even helped England in their rescued result against DR Congo.

No matter the result, fans implored that it's not his place to 'change football', but the three-minute breaks will continue in every game to ensure tournament 'fairness'.

For the most part, though, the FIFA President has put on a spectacle in USA, Canada, and Mexico, which is now gearing up for a huge climax with his face at the focal point - and that's no coincidence, as there is a reason we keep seeing him in the crowds at almost every game of the tournament.

FIFA President forces broadcasters to capture his presence

As the famed official continues to appear on the big screens, fans have begun to question why we keep seeing him 'sitting on his FIFA throne' multiple times in a match.

According to Copa90 Presenter Eli Mengem, there is actually a clause in the contracts for broadcasters, such as FOX Sports, to capture his likeness at games.

"[I] Have been told by someone [very] reliable in the broadcasting world the answer is yes, once per half. They don’t show it in the stadium though due to the booing," he said on X.

This echoes similar reports from the New Yorker, which claimed that "directors of the official tournament feed were reportedly instructed to show him in the crowd once per match and not while he was looking at his phone," during the Qatar World Cup in 2022, something that has been renewed this year.

Back in Qatar, Gianni Infantino was omnipresent due to the small country making for easy access to all stadiums.

With the 2026 World Cup spread throughout the USA, Mexico, and Canada, Infantino hasn't been able to attend every match, but has been just as active in his travels.

According to reports, Infantino has already racked up 31,000 miles in private jet flights, attending at least one match a day courtesy of Qatar Airways.

In the opening five days alone, he travelled from Mexico City to Guadalajara, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Miami, Seattle, and Los Angeles again.

The slowing of the World Cup action deep into the knockout rounds will only make it easier for the FIFA President to attend games, where we can expect to see him alongside US President Donald Trump in the twilight stages of the tournament.