Celebrities and FIFA World Cup officials, including President Gianni Infantino, are required to be featured on camera during every match.
With 100 games already played over the past month, the World Cup is now down to its final four matches. France, Spain, England, and defending champions Argentina are still standing, marking the first occasion in history that the world’s top four-ranked nations have all advanced to the semi-finals of the global tournament.
The World Cup stands as the premier sporting spectacle of every four-year cycle, and celebrities naturally flock to matches wherever they are held.
This year, however, the buzz has been amplified, with the tournament taking place across North America in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
The Beckhams celebrating during England vs Norway (Image: Getty)
Sunday’s final is set to take place at MetLife Stadium, where President Donald Trump is expected to play a special role.
The tournament has been no stranger to controversy, both on and off the field. Notable incidents include the United States’ handling of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s team, which forced them to relocate their base camp to Tijuana, Mexico, USMNT star Folarin Balogun’s red card being overturned following Trump’s intervention, and a series of VAR errors in high-stakes matches.
While Trump has yet to make an appearance at a World Cup game, having skipped the USMNT’s run to the Round of 16, one figure has maintained a constant presence throughout: FIFA President Infantino.
Reports indicate that Infantino has accumulated more than 50,000 km during the tournament’s opening weeks, journeying from A, B, C, and D to attend matches – occasionally viewing several on the same day.
FIFA World Cup cameras are mandated to show celebrities and officials such as Gianni Infantino at matches (Image: Getty)
Infantino has frequently appeared on screen, receiving the VIP treatment typically afforded to figures such as soccer icon David Beckham and Hollywood star Brad Pitt.
FIFA has now confirmed it intentionally features Infantino, FIFA World Cup officials, and celebrities on camera, despite some supporter dissatisfaction.
“It is standard practice for seats which include football officials, public figures and celebrities to be shown as part of the match running order, whoever they may be,” a FIFA spokesperson told The Athletic.
Infantino’s prominence on the global stage has gained additional significance following his announcement that he plans to pursue a third term as FIFA president in 2027.
Should he win reelection, he would continue in the role until 2031, prolonging his leadership of world football’s governing body to 15 years.
Currently, no challenger has emerged to contest Infantino’s pursuit of another term, leaving him unchallenged despite the multiple controversies that have characterized his presidency.
Three of FIFA’s six continental confederations – representing Africa, Asia, and South America – have already endorsed Infantino.
Combined, these regions represent 110 of FIFA’s 211 member associations, with all three confederations unanimously supporting his reelection effort.