Arsène Wenger, the 77-year-old former Arsenal manager, is considering running for FIFA president in elections scheduled for March 18, 2027, according to multiple international reports on November 10, 2026.
Wenger, who has served as FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development since 2019, is expected to make a final decision this week, according to reports from BBC, The Athletic, and European news agencies. The deadline for candidate registration is November 18, 2026.
The French football executive is being encouraged by UEFA, European football's governing body, to challenge incumbent FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has led the organization since 2016 and is seeking a fourth term. UEFA has been among Infantino's sharpest critics but has not yet formally endorsed a candidate.
"Wenger has been considering this possibility since late summer and is now close to making a decision," according to reports citing sources familiar with his deliberations. The 77-year-old has not publicly commented on the speculation surrounding his potential candidacy.
Wenger managed Arsenal for 22 years, winning multiple trophies, and has deep knowledge of FIFA's operations through his current role overseeing global football development.
Infantino's presidency has faced significant criticism, particularly following his controversial proposal to sell private stakes in the FIFA World Cup to commercial investors—a plan he later abandoned. UEFA has been vocal in its opposition to aspects of his leadership, though the confederation has faced questions about whether Wenger, at 77, can provide long-term leadership. Some supporters have suggested they would be satisfied if Wenger won the election but stepped down before completing a full four-year term.
The FIFA presidential election will take place during the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18, 2027.