FIFA President Gianni Infantino has dramatically left the 2026 World Cup and crossed the Atlantic to pay his respects to the late ruler of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Infantino Departs Miami for Doha
On Sunday, a private jet linked to the FIFA president departed Miami, where Infantino had watched England’s 2-1 defeat of Norway in the tournament’s quarter-finals, for Doha. It arrived in the Qatari capital the following day.
Infantino has been seen among the mourners for the late father of the Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. He is expected to return to the United States in the next 24 hours.
Infantino's Close Ties to Qatar
Infantino has long nurtured a close relationship with Qatar and its rulers, the Al Thani family. The Gulf nation hosted the 2022 World Cup, the first in the Middle East, which became hugely controversial because of the plight of migrant workers who helped build the stadiums and infrastructure.
Qatar's former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died Sunday morning at the age of 74, the country's Amiri Diwan announced. “May God grant him His mercy and forgiveness,” it said in a statement on social media.
National Mourning and Funeral Arrangements
Qatar announced four days of national mourning from Sunday. Funeral prayers for Sheikh Hamad were held after the Maghrib (evening) prayer on Sunday at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque in Doha, and he will be laid to rest at Lusail Cemetery, the Diwan said.
Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will receive mourners from heads of state, members of the ruling family, dignitaries and citizens at Lusail Palace from Monday, July 13, to Wednesday, July 15.
Previous Controversies Over Private Jet Use
It’s not the first time that Infantino has left a major tournament organised by the governing body he chairs. In 2023, during the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, he crisscrossed the Pacific for days in a private jet, resulting in huge backlash. Stung by the criticism, Infantino reacted on social media: “Chill, relax, live and let live!”
During this tournament, Infantino has faced heavy criticism for jetting around North America on a private jet provided by Qatar. Norwegian investigative magazine Josimar reported that he flew 50,000 kilometers during the group stages.
