As President Trump embarked on a state visit to Saudi Arabia, he was warmly welcomed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has shown steadfast support for Trump since his first term. This connection, extending beyond mere diplomatic protocol, has stirred curiosity across the globe, especially with the United States set to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada.
Infantino will accompany Trump to Qatar for a pivotal ceremony where the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, is set to formally transfer World Cup hosting responsibilities to the U.S. Notably absent from the event will be representatives from Canada and Mexico, a move that seems to reflect ongoing tensions stemming from Trump's trade policies.
During his White House briefing last week, Trump made light of Infantino's inclination to minimize the involvement of the two neighboring nations, further emphasizing the unique relationship between the U.S. president and the FIFA head. This synergy culminated in a surprising decision to shift a scheduled FIFA board meeting in Paraguay to a virtual setup, allowing Infantino to join Trump's official delegation.
FIFA's statement acknowledged the importance of Infantino's presence at key global discussions around the upcoming World Cups. Following the Gulf tour, Infantino is expected to travel to Paraguay to conduct FIFA's annual congress, an event that was also adjusted to align with the logistical changes prompted by his trip with Trump. As this high-stakes political and sports crossover unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will influence the broader landscape of international soccer governance and relations.
