By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, FIFA President Gianni Infantino delivered a passionate defence of football’s unique role in a world beset by political tension, economic uncertainty, and social challenges.
Infantino spoke vividly about the emotional and communal power of the FIFA World Cup™, saying that, unlike nearly any other global event, it has the ability to pause daily life and bring people together. “There is nothing anywhere close to what football does,” he told the Davos audience, describing the sport as a “magic instrument” that turns hardships into moments of shared joy.
The FIFA chief drew attention to how football’s most celebrated event — the 2026 World Cup — demonstrates this universal appeal. With 48 teams competing across North America, the tournament is expected to generate tens of billions of dollars in global economic impact and create hundreds of thousands of jobs, figures supported by independent economic research cited during his speech.
That impact, Infantino stressed, goes far beyond financial figures. He painted a picture of children and adults alike rediscovering happiness through football: “When a child kicks a ball… they don’t think about their problems,” the FIFA president said, emphasising the sport’s power to distract from hardship and reconnect communities.
Infantino also highlighted how the jointly hosted World Cup bid by the United States, Canada, and Mexico symbolises cooperation and unity — even when political discourse elsewhere can be divisive.
His address reflects FIFA’s ongoing effort to showcase football as more than a sport — but as a global cultural force capable of bringing p
Leave feedback about this