United States President Donald Trump has suggested that FIFA President Gianni Infantino should be considered for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, a remark that has drawn international attention because it links the world’s most influential football administrator to one of global diplomacy’s highest offices.
Trump made the comments during a public appearance in which he praised Infantino’s leadership of world football and his role in expanding the sport’s global reach. While the remarks were widely interpreted as complimentary rather than a formal nomination, they have sparked debate over the qualities required to lead the United Nations and whether experience in international sports governance could translate into global diplomacy.
Trump Praises Infantino’s Global Leadership
Trump described Infantino as someone with extensive international experience, highlighting his ability to work with governments, business leaders and sports organizations across every continent.
The two leaders have developed a close working relationship in recent years, particularly as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. Infantino has attended several White House events and has frequently emphasized the importance of cooperation with the U.S. government to ensure the tournament’s success.
Trump has repeatedly praised FIFA’s decision to award the expanded 48-team World Cup to the three North American nations, calling it an opportunity to showcase the region while delivering significant economic benefits through tourism, infrastructure investment and job creation.
Who Is Gianni Infantino?
Gianni Infantino, a Swiss-Italian lawyer, has served as FIFA President since 2016 after succeeding Sepp Blatter in the wake of one of the biggest corruption scandals in football history.
Before joining FIFA, Infantino worked for the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), where he rose to become Secretary General and played a central role in organizing the UEFA Champions League, the European Championship and other major competitions.
During his presidency at FIFA, Infantino has overseen several landmark reforms and initiatives, including:
Expanding the FIFA World Cup from 32 to 48 teams beginning with the 2026 tournament.
Launching an expanded FIFA Club World Cup.
Increasing investment in women’s football.
Growing FIFA’s revenues through commercial partnerships and broadcasting rights.
Expanding football development funding for member associations worldwide.
Supporters credit him with modernizing FIFA’s commercial operations and increasing opportunities for smaller football nations to compete on the global stage.
Could Infantino Become Secretary-General?
Despite Trump’s endorsement, there is currently no indication that Infantino is an official candidate for the UN’s top job.
The selection process is highly diplomatic and typically favors individuals with extensive experience in international relations, government leadership or multilateral institutions. Previous Secretaries-General have included former prime ministers, foreign ministers and senior diplomats.
Nevertheless, advocates of Infantino argue that leading FIFA requires managing one of the world’s most diverse international organizations. FIFA’s 211 member associations exceed the UN’s 193 member states, and the organization regularly negotiates with governments, regional bodies and commercial partners on issues ranging from security to infrastructure and human rights.
Critics, however, note that sports administration differs significantly from diplomatic conflict resolution, peacekeeping and international governance. FIFA itself has also faced scrutiny over governance, transparency and the awarding of hosting rights for major tournaments, issues that have periodically attracted criticism from human rights organizations and anti-corruption advocates.
The discussion also highlights the growing intersection between sports and diplomacy.
Major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games have frequently served as platforms for international cooperation, cultural exchange and political dialogue. Leaders often use these events to strengthen bilateral relations, promote trade and showcase their countries on the global stage.
Infantino has consistently argued that football can contribute to peace, unity and social development, positioning FIFA as more than a sporting body. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded programs aimed at education, inclusion and grassroots development while working with governments and international institutions on issues affecting the global game.
Trump’s comments do not alter the formal UN selection process, which remains governed by the United Nations Charter and requires broad international consensus.
As AntΓ³nio Guterres approaches the end of his second term in 2026, governments are expected to begin consultations on potential successors. Whether Gianni Infantino’s name will feature seriously in those discussions remains uncertain.
For now, Trump’s remarks underscore the growing influence of global sports leaders and the increasingly blurred lines between sports, politics and international diplomacy. They also reflect the close relationship that has developed between the U.S. administration and FIFA as preparations continue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of the largest sporting events ever staged.
