Trump Backs Infantino for UN Top Job
President Donald Trump is promoting FIFA President Gianni Infantino as a candidate for United Nations Secretary General, according to The New York Post. 'He is respected by everyone in the world and recognizes that he has a special ability to bring people together,' a source close to Trump told the newspaper. Trump believes Infantino's global reputation and experience leading FIFA make him a strong candidate. The news was confirmed by an official U.S. source.[S1][S2][S4][S5]
Infantino, a 56-year-old Swiss-Italian lawyer, has led FIFA since 2016. During his tenure, he has promoted reforms in international competitions, the growth of women's football, and the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams for the 2026 tournament. He studied law and became a lawyer before joining FIFA. He would succeed António Guterres of Portugal, whose second term ends in December. The election for the next UN chief will take place this year. It is not yet confirmed whether Infantino has accepted the idea or if Trump has spoken directly with him.[S1][S2][S4]
Alliance Through the World Cup
The relationship between Trump and Infantino deepened during the 2026 World Cup, the largest ever with 48 teams and 104 matches, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Infantino made efforts to include Trump in the tournament's agenda, culminating in December when he awarded Trump the first FIFA Peace Award. The award ceremony highlighted their growing alliance. Paolo Zampolli, Trump's special envoy for global alliances, has supported Infantino's candidacy, saying he would do a great job at the UN.[S1][S2][S3][S5]
Their partnership drew scrutiny after Trump intervened following a red card to US striker Folarin Balogun during the round of 16 against Bosnia. After Trump spoke directly with Infantino, FIFA took the unprecedented step of suspending the automatic one-match ban for a one-year trial period. Trump later said he did not tell Infantino what to do, but argued that Balogun's absence would have been a stain on the tournament. The US eventually lost to Belgium in that match. The episode sparked international criticism over political interference in FIFA's decisions.[S1][S3]
Selection Process and Rivals
To become UN Secretary General, a candidate must receive the recommendation of the 15-member Security Council, including its five permanent members who hold veto power. After that, the candidacy must be approved by the 193-member General Assembly. The selection is expected this year. Infantino would need to secure broad support to overcome the traditional expectation that the next secretary general should come from Latin America or the Caribbean.[S1][S2][S5]
Other potential candidates include Argentine Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet. Grossi announced his candidacy in 2025, pledging deep reforms and saying, 'In 2026 we are going to play two world championships, and I think we will win both.' He may face UK objections over the Falkland Islands dispute. Bachelet could encounter resistance from Washington. The last Latin American secretary general was Javier Pérez de Cuéllar of Peru (1982-1991), and there is an expectation for a candidate from the region. Analysts note that if Infantino runs, it would break that expectation.[S1][S2][S5]
