The six Nordic football associations have delivered a united blow to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, demanding sweeping governance reforms. This followed a meeting in Helsinki on Sunday, August 23, 2026, as reported by Reuters.
The associations from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the Faroe Islands issued a rare joint statement. It declared they had lost confidence in Infantino's leadership and are concerned about FIFA's decision-making at the highest level. They also back calls from UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF for Infantino to resign. The Norway national team, currently second in World Cup qualifying with six points, now faces a crucial match against Denmark on September 24, which you can track on our fixtures page.
What are the Nordic associations demanding?
The associations demand an independent investigation into Infantino's proposal to sell a stake in events like the World Cup to private equity investors. This plan was quickly abandoned following a global backlash. They expect FIFA to provide binding guarantees that its governance or competitions will never again be opened up to private ownership. Additionally, they call for a comprehensive independent review of FIFA's governance framework to ensure it delivers the independence, transparency and accountability intended when reforms were adopted in 2016.
The Danish Football Association (DBU) vowed on Friday, August 21, to find a credible alternative to challenge Infantino in next year's election. Infantino is seeking a fourth term until 2031. This Nordic unity comes as the Norway squad boasts a striker in top form. Erling Haaland has seven goals in five appearances this season, a key factor in the team's position in our stats.
How did Gianni Infantino respond?
The same weekend the statement was issued, Infantino was in the Dominican Republic. There he met with officials of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU). CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani had asked Infantino to stay away from a youth soccer tournament in the country, saying his presence would overshadow the event. Infantino stated the meeting of CFU presidents took place during an Under-14 tournament.
"So, even more so, a reason to be proud to be here." said Infantino. He added such tournaments can take place thanks to the FIFA Forward programme.
What does this mean for Norway and World Cup qualifying?
The political turmoil at FIFA unfolds as the Norway national team focuses on securing a place at the 2026 World Cup. The team's recent form shows three wins and two losses in their last five matches, including a 1-2 defeat to England on July 11. With eight goals scored and seven conceded, they have a positive goal difference of one. They sit three points behind group leaders France, which you can check on our standings page.
The upcoming home fixture against Denmark on September 24 takes on added intrigue against the backdrop of Nordic cooperation against FIFA. While both nations agree on the need for change at football's top table, on the pitch the rivalry will be fierce. A win is vital to keep pace with France in the race for direct World Cup qualification.
