U.S. Soccer chief executive officer JT Batson sidestepped a direct answer when asked whether the federation formally endorsed Gianni Infantino’s bid for a third term as FIFA president, leaving the question of a potential withdrawal of support unresolved.
The federation’s position emerged against a backdrop of growing resistance to Infantino’s ambitious plan to monetize World Cup rights through private investment, a scheme that CONCACAF has openly rejected on grounds of governance and due‑process concerns.
Opposition to the Forward Enterprise
While Infantino has amassed endorsements from more than two hundred of FIFA’s 211 member associations, several European federations have recently pulled back their backing, and the United States has yet to clarify its stance, despite the looming November 18 nomination deadline.
Batson indicated that any final decision will be taken at the organization’s September board meeting, emphasizing a strategic focus on expanding the sport’s global footprint, including the upcoming 2027 Women’s World Cup.
The uncertainty surrounding U.S. Soccer’s endorsement reflects a broader realignment in international football governance, as federations weigh financial incentives against the integrity of the game’s administrative structures.