SerpApi.Org
The 2026 World Cup has officially concluded, with Spain defeating Argentina in the final to claim the tournament title, which is their first since 2010. The month-long competition also marked a high-profile collaboration between FIFA president Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration played a prominent role as the United States served as one of the tournament’s three co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico.
Following the event, Trump publicly praised Infantino’s leadership of the World Cup and has expressed interest in seeing the FIFA chief become the next secretary-general of the United Nations. As reported by The New York Post, Infantino’s experience leading international soccer and working with governments around the world demonstrates qualities suited to the role.
For Trump, according to the source the outlet talked to, Infantino has “a special ability to bring people together.” With current UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s term scheduled to end later this year, Infantino’s reputation as FIFA president and Trump’s belief that he “is respected by everyone around the world” have reportedly made him Trump’s preferred choice to succeed Guterres.
Infantino’s future remains uncertain
Infantino has not publicly commented on the reported interest, and FIFA has not announced any change in his plans. The FIFA president is currently seeking another term leading world soccer’s governing body, leaving questions about whether he would consider a transition to the United Nations if the opportunity emerged. The position carries an annual salary of just over $400,000 compared with his reported compensation of around $6 million at FIFA.’
Even with Trump’s reported backing, the UN secretary-general is selected through an elaborate process outlined in the UN Charter. Candidates must first receive a recommendation from the Security Council before being appointed by the General Assembly. Because any of the council’s five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, or the United States – can veto a recommendation, U.S. support alone would not be enough to secure the role.
Trump’s reported support comes as Infantino concludes another World Cup cycle, with the 2026 tournament drawing praise for its scale while also facing scrutiny over several organizational issues. During the competition, criticism centered on high temperatures at some venues, match scheduling, field conditions at certain stadiums, and the expanded 48-team format. Hydration breaks also became a point of debate, with some arguing they disrupted the flow of matches.
The criticism has intensified scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership at FIFA, with reports suggesting potential replacements are already being shortlisted. Despite the criticism, Infantino declared the tournament as a success and highlighted the role played by Trump and the United States in hosting the event. “We united the world,” he said. “You don’t need people to compliment you, Mr. President, but this World Cup would not have been such an incredible success without you.”
