The flight hours and miles of World Cup travels of FIFA's Infantino in numbers

FIFA’s 2026 World Cup highlighted how far-flung the tournament was, and Associated Press analysis put Gianni Infantino’s travel into measurable terms. AP reviewed flight logs for the private business jet used by Infantino, supplemented by AP photographs and Instagram posts from FIFA and the FIFA president. The findings indicate that by the time Spain defeated Argentina to win the title, Infantino had flown enough to circle the globe nearly 2.5 times. Access to a Gulfstream G650 from Qatar’s government fleet, operated by Qatar Airways’ private charter division, enabled the schedule. FlightAware data showed that after a June 9 Los Angeles to Mexico City trip, the aircraft averaged more than one flight per day, and on some days exceeded three flights. Infantino attended 44 World Cup matches across 16 stadiums, including five at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. The analysis also cites thunderstorms in New York delaying a planned New Jersey-to-Miami leg.