Trump Backs FIFA President Infantino for UN Secretary General

President Donald Trump is seeking the appointment of FIFA President Gianni Infantino as the next Secretary General of the United Nations. The move would replace António Guterres, whose second term expires on December 31. Trump reportedly believes Infantino possesses a special ability to unite people and a global level of respect, views shaped by their close relationship during the 2026 World Cup.

Paolo Zampolli, Trump's special envoy for global partnerships, endorsed the candidacy by citing Infantino's experience managing over 200 member countries within FIFA. This proposal deviates from the informal regional rotation norm, which suggests the next leader should hail from Latin America and the Caribbean. Any appointment requires a recommendation from the UN Security Council and confirmation by the General Assembly.

The relationship between the two men has faced scrutiny. Infantino previously presented Trump with FIFA's inaugural Peace Prize, and the pair appeared together at the 2026 World Cup final. Additionally, members of the European Parliament and the non-profit FairSquare called for investigations after FIFA suspended a one-match ban for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun following a request for review from Trump. Infantino has defended the independence of FIFA's judicial bodies in response to these criticisms.