Gianni Infantino’s 95,000‑kilometre jet travel fuels controversy at World Cup 2026

FIFA president Gianni Infantino logged nearly 95,000 kilometres in a private Gulfstream G650 jet owned by the Qatari government during the 2026 World Cup, a distance equal to almost two‑and‑a‑half trips around the globe. The aircraft, operated by Qatar Airways, saw Infantino attend 43 matches across all 16 venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico, flying more than 100 hours in the air and landing at 21 airports. Analysts estimate the flights cost over US$350,000 in fuel and generated more than 700 tonnes of CO₂, prompting warnings that the tournament could become the most carbon‑intensive in history. The extensive travel coincided with a high‑profile incident at the final ceremony in New Jersey, where U.S. President Donald Trump remained on the podium while the Spanish team lifted the trophy. FIFA chief Infantino repeatedly urged Trump to step aside, a moment that attracted widespread media attention and added a political flashpoint to the sporting event.