FIFA President Gianni Infantino has departed the 2026 World Cup in the United States to attend the funeral of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former ruler of Qatar, in Doha. The late sheikh, father of the current Emir, passed away recently, prompting Infantino's brief absence from the tournament.
Private Jet Departure from Miami
Over the weekend, a private jet linked to Infantino left Miami for Doha, shortly after England's quarter-final victory over Norway. Infantino has since been seen among mourners paying respects to Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The FIFA chief is expected to return to the US within 24 hours, as the semi-finals are set to begin on Tuesday.
Impact on World Cup Schedule
Infantino's absence comes during the final stretch of the tournament, with four games remaining: two semi-finals, a third-place play-off, and the final. Despite his departure, FIFA operations continue under deputy leadership. The semi-finals are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, with the final on Sunday.
