Donald Trump is reportedly backing FIFA president Gianni Infantino for one of the world’s most influential diplomatic positions after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding another chapter to their increasingly close relationship.
The reported endorsement has sparked discussion far beyond soccer, blending sports, politics, and international diplomacy into one of the most unexpected stories to emerge from the tournament. While no official nomination has been announced, the idea has already generated widespread debate.
Why is Trump backing Gianni Infantino?
According to a report first published by the New York Post, President Donald Trump believes Gianni Infantino would be an ideal candidate to become the next United Nations secretary-general after António Guterres completes his term at the end of 2026.
A source close to Trump told the newspaper that the president views Infantino as someone who is “respected by everyone around the world” and has “a special ability to bring people together.” The reported comments came only days after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which was co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Neither the White House nor FIFA had publicly commented on the report as of July 22, 2026. There has also been no indication that Infantino is actively pursuing the position.
How their relationship grew during the World Cup
Trump and Infantino have worked together for years, but their relationship became especially visible throughout the 2026 World Cup. Trump attended multiple tournament events and appeared alongside the FIFA president during ceremonies and trophy presentations.
The pair frequently praised one another during public appearances. Infantino consistently highlighted the successful organization of the expanded tournament, while Trump celebrated the event as a major international achievement for the United States and its North American partners.
Their close public association has become one of the defining off-field storylines surrounding the tournament, leading many observers to view the reported endorsement as a continuation of that partnership rather than a surprise announcement.
What would it take for Infantino to become the UN secretary-general?
Even with support from the U.S. president, becoming secretary-general is a lengthy international process. The United Nations secretary-general is appointed by the General Assembly following a recommendation from the 15-member Security Council.
Any candidate must first receive Security Council approval, where any of the 5 permanent members can block a nomination with a veto, meaning backing from a single world leader would not guarantee Infantino’s selection.
As of July, there is no official confirmation that Infantino has entered the race or that any member state has formally nominated him.
Interesting fact: Gianni Infantino has served as FIFA president since 2016 after previously working as UEFA’s secretary-general, giving him leadership experience across European and global soccer.
Why the report is drawing attention
The story has attracted significant attention because FIFA’s president oversees the world’s most popular sport rather than an international diplomatic institution. While sports leaders often work with governments and international organizations, a direct path from FIFA to the United Nations would be highly unusual.
Supporters of the idea point to Infantino’s experience coordinating global tournaments involving more than 200 national associations. Critics, meanwhile, note that managing world diplomacy requires a very different set of responsibilities than leading an international sports federation.
That contrast has fueled discussion across sports media and political circles without changing the underlying facts: no official nomination has been announced.
Infantino’s global profile continues to expand
Regardless of the UN speculation, Infantino remains one of the most influential figures in international sports. Under his leadership, FIFA expanded the men’s World Cup to 48 teams for the 2026 tournament and continued growing several global competitions.
The successful completion of the first World Cup hosted jointly by three countries further increased FIFA’s international visibility. Tournament operations involved governments, security agencies, broadcasters, sponsors, and national federations across North America.
That worldwide coordination is one reason supporters believe Infantino possesses significant organizational experience, even though diplomatic leadership presents an entirely different challenge.
Fun fact: The 2026 FIFA World Cup was the first men’s World Cup to feature 48 national teams, making it the largest tournament in the competition’s history.
What happens next?
The process to replace António Guterres will continue through the United Nations later this year. Various countries are expected to discuss potential candidates before the Security Council begins considering nominees.
For now, Trump’s reported support remains exactly that—a reported endorsement rather than an official nomination. There is no public indication that Infantino has accepted, rejected, or even commented on the possibility of pursuing the role.
Until formal candidates emerge, the conversation remains centered on whether one of sports’ most recognizable executives could realistically transition into one of the world’s highest diplomatic offices.
Fun fact: FIFA has 211 member associations, more than the United Nations, which has 193 member states.
Why the story matters beyond soccer
Stories connecting sports and global politics are not new, but they rarely involve a potential move from sports administration to the United Nations’ highest office. That unusual angle explains why the report has generated attention from both sports fans and political observers.
The discussion also reflects how prominent sporting events increasingly intersect with international diplomacy. Major tournaments bring together governments, business leaders, and global organizations, often creating relationships that extend beyond the playing field.
Whether anything ultimately comes from Trump’s reported endorsement remains uncertain. At this stage, the confirmed facts are limited to the reported backing, the established UN selection process, and the absence of any official nomination or response from Infantino himself.
TL;DR
- Donald Trump reportedly wants FIFA president Gianni Infantino to succeed Antonio Guterres as UN secretary-general.
- A source said Trump believes Infantino is respected globally and can bring people together.
- Neither the White House nor FIFA had officially commented as of July 22, 2026.
- Infantino has not publicly indicated interest in the position.
- Any candidate must first receive Security Council approval before being elected by the UN General Assembly.
- The story has gained attention because it connects global sports leadership with international diplomacy.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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