Embattled Infantino attends WAFCON 2026 final after Cameroon win 3-0

FIFA president Gianni Infantino attended the WAFCON 2026 final in Rabat on Sunday, where Cameroon defeated Malawi 3-0 to win their first continental title. Marie Ngah scored twice and Naomi Ndjoah Eto completed the victory.

Infantino’s appearance came as his leadership of world football faces opposition from parts of FIFA’s confederation structure. The presidents of UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have raised concerns about his conduct and requested an independent examination of FIFA’s abandoned plan to sell a share of World Cup commercial rights.

The three confederations said the controversy had weakened trust in FIFA and argued that the organisation needed firmer leadership and governance. The dispute has added pressure on Infantino as he moves towards the 2027 FIFA presidential election.

He continues to retain important backing in Africa and South America. African football’s influence in the election is significant because the continent’s 54 member associations form a large voting bloc among FIFA’s 211 members.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe has maintained that Infantino’s future should be settled through the election process. His position is that any effort to remove the FIFA president should instead be taken to the vote and decided by the member associations.

Infantino’s presence in Rabat also reflected FIFA’s expanding engagement with African football. Africa has become central to the organisation’s development plans, while the enlargement of major competitions has increased opportunities for the continent’s national teams.

Cameroon’s success ended a long wait after final defeats in 2004, 2014 and 2016. The 3-0 result gave the team its first WAFCON title, while Infantino’s attendance provided another public link with African football during a contested period for his presidency.