Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino. Photo by Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images / Reuters
According to The New York Post, citing a source, Trump views Infantino as a figure capable of uniting countries and engaging in dialogue with various international players. The source stated that the U.S. president views the FIFA president as someone who is “respected around the world” and possesses a “special ability to bring people together.”
However, it is not yet known whether Infantino himself is interested in a possible move to a diplomatic post or whether Trump has discussed this matter directly with the FIFA president.
A Complex Selection Process
The term of current UN Secretary-General António Guterres expires at the end of 2026. The selection of the organization’s new head involves a multi-step process: a candidate must receive a recommendation from the UN Security Council, after which the General Assembly approves the nomination.
The Security Council plays a key role; it consists of 15 members, including five permanent members with veto power—the United States, China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom.
If Infantino’s candidacy is officially put forward, he will need to secure the support of major world powers, which could prove to be a serious diplomatic challenge.
Experience Leading a Global Organization
Paolo Zampolli, an Italian-American businessman and Trump’s special envoy for global partnerships, has endorsed Infantino’s potential candidacy.
He stated that the FIFA president has experience managing an international organization with a large number of participants. According to Zampolli, the UN has 193 member states, while FIFA unites more than 200 national soccer associations.
“Gianni’s experience shows that he knows how to work with different countries and interests,” noted the U.S. administration representative.
Infantino has led FIFA since 2016. One of the major changes during his tenure has been the expansion of the World Cup format—the 2026 tournament featured 48 national teams for the first time, up from the previous 32.
A New Phase in U.S.-UN Relations
Infantino’s potential nomination comes amid strained relations between the Trump administration and the United Nations.
After returning to the White House in 2025, the U.S. president reviewed the country’s participation in a number of international organizations, including the WHO, UNESCO, and the UN Human Rights Council, and announced cuts to some international funding.
If Infantino does indeed become a candidate, it will be one of the most unconventional developments in the history of UN Secretary-General elections: for the first time, the current head of a major international sports organization is being considered as a potential candidate for the highest diplomatic post in the UN system.
