US President Donald Trump Endorses FIFA President Gianni Infantino for UN Secretary-General Role: Report
Donald Trump has reportedly endorsed FIFA President Gianni Infantino to be the next UN Secretary-General, according to a New York Post report on July 22, 2026. Trump cited Infantino's unique ability to unite people globally, a bond strengthened during the recently concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final.
US President Donald Trump has reportedly thrown his weight behind FIFA President Gianni Infantino as a candidate for the next United Nations Secretary-General, a surprising development that has sent ripples through both political and sporting circles. The bombshell report, originating from the New York Post on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, suggests Trump believes the 56-year-old Swiss-Italian football chief possesses a unique ability to unite people worldwide. La Liga President Javier Tebas Demands FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s Resignation, Accuses Him of ‘Destroying’ Football.
The purported endorsement comes as the international community prepares to select a successor to current UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose second five-year term concludes on December 31, 2026. The new Secretary-General is slated to assume office on January 1, 2027.
A Shared Vision
Sources close to President Trump indicate that his support for Infantino stems from a deepening relationship, particularly cultivated during the recently concluded FIFA World Cup 2026.
'He is respected by everyone around the world, and recognizes he has a special ability to bring people together,' a source reportedly told the New York Post, referring to Infantino's unifying potential.
Their camaraderie was notably on display at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19, 2026, held at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Trump and Infantino were both prominent figures during the post-match trophy presentation, following Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina. The report also highlights Infantino's earlier gesture of presenting Trump with FIFA's inaugural Peace Prize in December, further cementing their bond.
The Road to the UN's Top Job
While President Trump's backing is a significant political statement, the process of becoming UN Secretary-General is rigorous and requires broad international consensus. A candidate must first secure the support of the 15-member UN Security Council, where the five permanent members hold veto power. Following this, the candidate must be approved by the larger UN General Assembly. Cristiano Ronaldo Sparks Controversy! Allegedly Likes Post Accusing FIFA Aided Lionel Messi's Argentina in World Cup 2026.
The selection process for António Guterres's successor was officially launched on November 25, 2025, with several individuals already having been nominated or speculated upon. It remains unclear whether Infantino is actively pursuing the role or if discussions about Trump's proposal have taken place directly with the FIFA President.
This unexpected development introduces a prominent figure from the world of sports into the high-stakes arena of international diplomacy, promising an intriguing twist in the ongoing selection process for the next leader of the United Nations.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 22, 2026 03:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
