President Donald Trump’s close partnership with FIFA President Gianni Infantino is influencing key World Cup 2026 decisions, from venue choices to global optics.
President Donald Trump’s growing friendship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino is shaping preparations for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Their collaboration reportedly intensified during July’s Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, where they agreed to hold the World Cup draw at Washington’s Kennedy Center. “If we’re going to do this, we’ve got to do it now,” said Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA task force.
Infantino has appeared publicly with Trump more than with any top European or South American soccer officials, drawing criticism from FIFA circles. The FIFA chief even presented Trump a gold replica World Cup trophy in August, calling it “for winners only.”
Their bond underscores a partnership that could define the tone and image of what some now call a “MAGA World Cup,” highlighting Trump’s renewed influence over global sports diplomacy.