Gianni Infantino is facing his first serious challenger for the FIFA presidency, after Japanese football chief Kozo Tashima announced he intends to stand in the election in March.

Tashima, the 68-year-old honorary president of the Japan Football Association (JFA), announced on Thursday, 5 November, that he will run for world football's top job, becoming the first Japanese candidate to seek the post.

"With the full support of the JFA I have decided to declare my candidacy in the FIFA presidential election," he said in a statement, adding that his candidacy was about "conveying to the world the honest, sound and upright attitude that Japanese football has built".

Five nominations still needed

Tashima still needs nominations from five national associations to appear on the ballot, and candidates have until 18 November to declare. He has the backing of his own association and is expected to secure the required endorsements.

A former Japan international who coached the country's under-17 and under-20 teams, Tashima has served on the FIFA Council since 2015 and was JFA president from 2016 to 2024.

He is the second person to declare a challenge to Mr Infantino, after former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega announced in October that he would stand.

A first real test for Infantino

Mr Infantino is seeking re-election to a fourth and final term. He has faced criticism after his unsuccessful attempt in July to bring private investors into a new FIFA commercial entity holding rights linked to competitions including the World Cup.

The Guardian reported Tashima is understood to have acted with the blessing of UEFA, which has led opposition to Mr Infantino. FIFA's 211 member associations will vote, with a candidate needing at least 106 votes to win.

Sources: CNN, FIFA's Infantino faces challenge from Japan FA chief Kozo Tashima, 5 November 2026; Sky Sports, Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, faces challenge from Japan FA chief Kohzo Tashima in 2027 election, 5 November 2026.