United States President Donald Trump is reportedly backing FIFA president Gianni Infantino as a potential candidate to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, according to a report published by the New York Post.
The report claims Trump believes Infantino’s international standing and leadership experience at the helm of world football make him a strong contender to succeed António Guterres, whose second term as UN Secretary-General is set to conclude in December 2026.
According to sources quoted by the newspaper, Trump considers the FIFA chief to be “respected across the world” and believes his ability to unite people through sport could translate well into the UN’s top leadership position.
Neither the White House nor FIFA has commented on the reports, and there is currently no indication that Infantino is interested in pursuing the role.
If he were to enter the race, Infantino would first need to secure the backing of the 15-member United Nations Security Council before being approved by the 193-member General Assembly—a process that is often lengthy and shaped by significant political negotiations.
The speculation comes as attention turns to who will replace Guterres when his mandate expires. Several prominent figures have already been mentioned as possible successors, including former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet and International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi.
Throughout his political career, Trump has been openly critical of the United Nations, arguing that the organisation has failed to respond effectively to several major global crises. Reports suggest he believes Infantino’s leadership could help strengthen ties between the United States and the UN.
Infantino has led FIFA since 2016, overseeing major reforms and expansions, including a larger FIFA World Cup and the introduction of new international tournaments. He has also maintained a close relationship with Trump, particularly during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which was co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised U.S. President Donald Trump, saying the 2026 FIFA World Cup "would not have been such an incredible success" without his support.#FIFA #WorldCup2026 #GianniInfantino #DonaldTrump #Football #Soccer #USA #WorldCup #SportsNews #Annahar pic.twitter.com/p44PyY8mtp
— Annahar English (@AnnaharEn) July 18, 2026
Despite the rumours, Infantino is widely expected to seek another four-year term as FIFA president at the organisation’s elective Congress in April 2027. At present, there is no evidence to suggest he plans to step down from football’s governing body, making any move to the United Nations purely speculative.
For now, the reports remain unconfirmed, with no formal nomination having been made and no public indication that Infantino intends to leave FIFA before completing his current mandate.
