A close alliance between President Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino raises eyebrows while setting the stage for future World Cup preparations.
Trump's Gulf Tour: FIFA President Infantino at the Forefront
Trump's Gulf Tour: FIFA President Infantino at the Forefront
Gianni Infantino, FIFA's president, accompanies Trump in a significant ceremony to exchange World Cup hosting duties during Gulf visit.
May 14, 2025 – As President Trump continues his state visit to Saudi Arabia, he is joined by Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, a figure who has notably supported Trump's endeavors since his first term. Their relationship, which extends beyond the usual diplomatic interactions between a World Cup host nation and the head of global soccer, has attracted attention within and outside soccer communities.
Infantino is scheduled to attend a ceremony this Wednesday in Qatar, where he will facilitate the formal transition of World Cup hosting duties from the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, to Trump. This transfer comes as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada. Interestingly, officials from Canada and Mexico are not anticipated to attend the event, particularly in light of recent political tensions indicated by Trump's tariffs.
The FIFA president's participation in Trump's Gulf tour has prompted surprise among FIFA members who are currently convening in Paraguay for their annual congress. To accommodate Infantino's travel with Trump, the FIFA board meeting was quickly adapted to a virtual format, allowing Infantino to engage with U.S. leaders during critical discussions about upcoming World Cups.
FIFA confirmed that Infantino has accepted various invitations to partake in events with world leaders where discussions surrounding the World Cup will play a central role. Despite the shift in schedules, Infantino is set to arrive in Paraguay to preside over the congress later this week, albeit with some adjustments to the original agenda.
Infantino is scheduled to attend a ceremony this Wednesday in Qatar, where he will facilitate the formal transition of World Cup hosting duties from the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, to Trump. This transfer comes as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada. Interestingly, officials from Canada and Mexico are not anticipated to attend the event, particularly in light of recent political tensions indicated by Trump's tariffs.
The FIFA president's participation in Trump's Gulf tour has prompted surprise among FIFA members who are currently convening in Paraguay for their annual congress. To accommodate Infantino's travel with Trump, the FIFA board meeting was quickly adapted to a virtual format, allowing Infantino to engage with U.S. leaders during critical discussions about upcoming World Cups.
FIFA confirmed that Infantino has accepted various invitations to partake in events with world leaders where discussions surrounding the World Cup will play a central role. Despite the shift in schedules, Infantino is set to arrive in Paraguay to preside over the congress later this week, albeit with some adjustments to the original agenda.
