Liveblog FIFA World Cup 2026: DFB refuses to sign for the re-election of Infantino

The German Football Association (DFB) has refused to sign a letter of support for the re-election of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, confirming the decision on Wednesday. The association stated that further steps regarding the issue would be discussed within its executive committee. This move comes amid growing scrutiny over Infantino's leadership, particularly following controversies involving high-profile players and political interference. During the World Cup, FIFA Director Elkhan Mammadov from Azerbaijan reportedly approached European national federations to garner support for Infantino’s bid for re-election during the FIFA Congress scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco. Infantino has faced criticism recently due to the case involving U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, whose red card was overturned after a phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump to Infantino. Earlier this year, at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver in early May, DFB President Bernd Neuendorf avoided making a commitment to support Infantino’s candidacy. Neuendorf emphasized that the evaluation of a candidate is not solely his decision but must be deliberated upon by the federation’s committees. He stated that the DFB would work with the German Football League (DFL) to assess the candidacy and make a decision after the deadline for submissions. Infantino had previously announced his intention to run for a fourth term as FIFA president, following his election in 2016 after Joseph Blatter’s tenure. According to FIFA statutes, this would be his final term, ending in 2031. The DFB did not provide direct support during Infantino’s last re-election in 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda, where he was confirmed by acclamation. However, both the DFB and Infantino claimed that relations have since normalized. Neuendorf has been criticized in the past for maintaining an overly favorable relationship with the Swiss official. Currently, Infantino faces no opposition, as potential rivals remain absent in world football. The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) unanimously supported his re-election, while African and Asian confederations pledged their full backing shortly before the congress. These endorsements suggest that Infantino already holds the necessary majority for re-election. Meanwhile, Spain prepares for its semi-final match against France, set for Sunday at 9 p.m. local time. The Spanish royal family has made plans to attend the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, should Spain advance. King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and their daughters Leonor and Sofia will all be present, according to a statement released by the palace following Spain’s 2-0 victory over France in the semi-final. The royal family expressed their pride in the team’s performance, stating on social media that they had once again proven why they belong among the best teams in the world. They added that with the entire nation behind them, the moment had come to fight for the title. King Felipe had watched Spain’s group stage match against Uruguay live from Guadalajara, Mexico. Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, described the king’s phone call as a source of pride, noting that it brought joy to the people of Spain. The royal family shared a video showing the family wearing jerseys celebrating the semi-final win. De la Fuente acknowledged the significance of the royal support, highlighting the positive impact it had on the morale of the squad and the fans.