Argentina and Mexico back Infantino as FIFA president faces survival numbers game

Both football associations have publicly endorsed the president in recent days, joining CAF's unanimous reconfirmation of support. The Argentine FA praised FIFA's "institutional strength based on clear, stable, and transparent governance," while Mexico's federation broke ranks with its CONCACAF confederation to stand behind him.

The backing, however, masks intensifying internal and external opposition. According to Sky Sports, Infantino faces removal if UEFA or other parties force an Emergency FIFA Congress. The mathematics are unforgiving: of FIFA's 211 member associations, 43 votes (20 per cent) trigger such a Congress, where a majority of 106 votes can topple him through a no-confidence motion.

UEFA's nine Council representatives could alternatively convene an Emergency Council meeting to force him out, but sources suggest the confederation will only move if confident of securing the necessary Congress majority first.

Infantino's situation has deteriorated since scrapping his plan to sell World Cup operational stakes to private investors. Senior figures including FIFA's Arsene Wenger and his personal advisor Carlos Cordeiro have distanced themselves publicly, with Cordeiro calling the scheme "irresponsible." FIFPRO, the global players' union, branded it a "cover-up" and attacked FIFA for enabling the plans.

CONMEBOL has signalled his future should be determined at March's presidential election rather than through emergency action, offering Infantino a potential lifeline—but only if he survives mounting pressure before then.