U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly wants FIFA President Gianni Infantino to be the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, according to a New York Post report published on July 22, 2026. Trump believes Infantino’s leadership of world football’s governing body demonstrates his ability to lead a global institution. He particularly praised Infantino’s role in successfully organizing the 2026 World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

A source close to Trump told the New York Post that the president views Infantino as a respected global figure capable of uniting people across nations and cultures. Neither the White House nor FIFA has made any official comment on the matter. The next UN Secretary-General is expected to be chosen later this year, with the new term beginning on January 1, 2027, after Antonio Guterres’s tenure ends in December.

However, Infantino’s path may be difficult, as UN rules require Security Council and General Assembly approval, and any veto from the five permanent members could block his candidacy. It also remains unclear whether Infantino himself is interested in the position.