FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s attendance at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland remains uncertain as the tournament opens amid continuing pressure over his abandoned plan to sell a stake in FIFA’s World Cup business.

The tournament begins on Saturday in Katowice, with hosts Poland facing Argentina before Mexico take on Benin. Around 15,000 spectators are expected for the opening matches.

Infantino has come under sustained criticism from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF since abandoning the controversial investment proposal on July 31.

The FIFA Forward Enterprise plan would have transferred commercial rights linked to major FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup, into a new subsidiary.

Outside investors were expected to pay about $4.2 billion for a stake in the new business, which was valued at roughly $20 billion.

The proposal triggered opposition from several FIFA confederations and prompted calls for Infantino to resign. Despite the backlash, the 56-year-old Swiss has announced plans to seek a fourth term as FIFA president at the FIFA Congress in March 2027.

No challenger has formally entered the race, although UEFA has said it will work with other confederations to ensure member associations have a credible alternative.

Infantino has remained active on the international football circuit since the proposal was dropped.

He attended the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup in Paris last month before travelling to Hanoi to watch Vietnam win the ASEAN Championship against Thailand.

He also visited the Dominican Republic during a CONCACAF Under-14 tournament despite a request from CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani that he stay away, amid concerns that the FIFA controversy could overshadow the youth competition.

Montagliani has been mentioned as a possible challenger to Infantino but has not declared his candidacy. The deadline for presidential candidates is November 18.

Poland hosts 24-team tournament

The Under-20 Women’s World Cup runs until September 27 and features 24 teams representing all six FIFA confederations.

The tournament is regarded as an important pathway for emerging players, many of whom could progress to senior international football and next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Defending champions North Korea are among the top-seeded teams, alongside Poland, Japan, Spain, Brazil and France.

FIFA has also introduced a new coaching requirement for its women’s competitions, with every participating team required to have a woman serving as head coach or assistant coach.

Saturday’s opening fixtures will see Poland meet Argentina in Katowice before Mexico face Benin.