U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering FIFA President Gianni Infantino as a potential candidate for the next United Nations Secretary-General.
The move is said to stem from the strong relationship the two developed while preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their growing ties were further demonstrated when Infantino presented Trump with the FIFA Peace Prize last December.
According to reports, Trump believes Infantino is widely respected around the world and has a unique ability to unite people across different backgrounds.
The reported consideration comes as the United Nations prepares to replace Secretary-General António Guterres, whose tenure is expected to end in December.
Trump is also said to view the current lineup of seven official contenders as lacking strong candidates, making Infantino an attractive alternative.
However, becoming UN Secretary-General involves a demanding selection process. Any candidate must first receive the backing of the 15-member UN Security Council, where the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France each have veto power.
If approved by the Security Council, the nominee must then be confirmed by the UN General Assembly.
It remains uncertain whether Infantino is interested in pursuing the role, especially as he is expected to seek another term as FIFA president in March 2027.
Supporters believe his experience leading one of the world’s largest sporting organizations and managing international relationships could strengthen his credentials for the position.
Trump and Infantino have maintained a close relationship over the years, beginning with a 2018 White House meeting focused on the upcoming North American World Cup. They later met at the 2020 World Economic Forum in Davos, where Trump publicly described Infantino as a respected friend.
Their partnership continued throughout preparations for the 2026 World Cup, reinforcing speculation about Trump’s confidence in Infantino’s leadership abilities.
Despite the reported support, political analysts believe the path to the UN’s top office would be challenging. The position is often influenced by regional rotation, with many expecting the next Secretary-General to come from Latin America or the Caribbean.
In addition, any candidate would need to gain the confidence of major world powers, including China and Russia, whose approval could determine the outcome of the selection process.
