President Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia took a notable turn as he met with Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, raising eyebrows with their close ties, especially as the U.S. prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup. Infantino is accompanying Trump on a tour of Gulf States and is set to preside over a handover ceremony in Qatar, signaling a unique collaboration in world soccer.
Trump Welcomes FIFA President Infantino During Gulf Tour
Trump Welcomes FIFA President Infantino During Gulf Tour
President Trump and FIFA's Gianni Infantino deepen ties in Gulf, setting stage for 2026 World Cup handover.
In an eventful state visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, President Trump encountered a familiar face: FIFA president Gianni Infantino, a longstanding ally since Trump’s first term. The dynamic between Trump and Infantino has consistently drawn scrutiny within soccer communities and political realms, as their relationship transcends the usual boundaries between a head of state and the global soccer organization leader.
Infantino will accompany Trump to Qatar on Wednesday, where the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, is expected to officially transfer World Cup hosting duties to him. This moment is especially significant given that the United States will co-host the anticipated 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada, though representatives from both countries will not be present at the ceremony.
The FIFA president’s decision to travel with Trump caught many in the FIFA community off guard, with key members gathered in Paraguay for the organization’s annual congress. A planned meeting had to be moved online to allow Infantino to partake in this high-profile event. In a recent statement, FIFA acknowledged that Infantino accepted invitations to participate in significant discussions with world leaders regarding upcoming World Cups, setting the stage for an exhilarating lead-up to 2026.
On his return to Paraguay for Congress on Thursday, Infantino faces a tightly scheduled itinerary due to these unexpected developments linked to the alliance with the Trump administration.
Infantino will accompany Trump to Qatar on Wednesday, where the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, is expected to officially transfer World Cup hosting duties to him. This moment is especially significant given that the United States will co-host the anticipated 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada, though representatives from both countries will not be present at the ceremony.
The FIFA president’s decision to travel with Trump caught many in the FIFA community off guard, with key members gathered in Paraguay for the organization’s annual congress. A planned meeting had to be moved online to allow Infantino to partake in this high-profile event. In a recent statement, FIFA acknowledged that Infantino accepted invitations to participate in significant discussions with world leaders regarding upcoming World Cups, setting the stage for an exhilarating lead-up to 2026.
On his return to Paraguay for Congress on Thursday, Infantino faces a tightly scheduled itinerary due to these unexpected developments linked to the alliance with the Trump administration.
