Trump's UN Leader Endorsement
New York Post: Trump Proposes FIFA President Infantino for UN Secretary General Role
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Donald Trump wants Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, according to New York Post. Trump sees Infantino as someone respected around the world who can bring different sides together.
The current UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has held the post since 2017. His second term ends in 2026, which would open the door for a new appointment, according to La Opinión de Málaga.
Why Trump Is Backing Infantino for the Top UN Job
Trump believes Infantino has the global reach and credibility needed to lead the UN. The US president sees him as a unifying figure — someone who can work with countries from all regions and political backgrounds, according to El Periódico de Aragón.
Infantino has led FIFA, world football's governing body, since 2016. He has built ties with governments and leaders across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. His backers argue that kind of network is exactly what the UN needs right now, reports Levante EMV.
Infantino's Close Ties With Trump Raise Eyebrows
Infantino and Trump already have a well-known relationship. FIFA awarded the 2026 World Cup to the United States, Canada, and Mexico — a decision celebrated by Trump. Infantino attended Trump's inauguration in January 2025, according to La Provincia.
Critics may question whether Infantino is too close to Trump to lead a body meant to be independent of any single country's influence. The UN Secretary-General is expected to act as a neutral broker between the world's 193 member states, notes Diario Córdoba.
How the UN Picks Its Next Secretary-General
The US alone cannot pick the UN Secretary-General. The process requires a recommendation from the Security Council — where the US, China, Russia, France, and the UK all hold veto power. Then the full General Assembly must approve the choice, according to El Correo Gallego.
That means Trump's backing is powerful but not enough on its own. Russia and China could block any candidate they do not like. Winning broad support for Infantino would be a major diplomatic challenge, reports El Periódico Mediterráneo.
What This Means for FIFA and Global Diplomacy
If Infantino were to leave FIFA for the UN, it would shake up global sport governance. FIFA is already in the middle of planning the 2026 World Cup and the expanded 2025 Club World Cup. A leadership change at FIFA would come at a critical moment, according to El Día.
For the UN, appointing a sports administrator with no traditional diplomatic background would be unprecedented. But supporters argue that Infantino's experience managing a body with 211 member associations — more than the UN itself — shows he can handle complex, multi-nation politics, notes La Opinión de Murcia.
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