US President Donald Trump is reportedly backing FIFA president Gianni Infantino to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations, according to a source close to the president cited by The New York Post. Trump believes there is an opening for a challenger to the role and views Infantino as a “respected” candidate, the report said.
The selection process to replace António Guterres, whose second term ends on 31 December, is already underway. Any candidate must secure approval from the 15-member UN Security Council, where the United States holds a permanent veto-wielding seat.
A Controversial Alliance
Trump and Infantino have cultivated a close and increasingly public relationship since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. Their bond was on full display during the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The pair have exchanged mutual praise at press conferences and trophy ceremonies, drawing scrutiny from European lawmakers and human rights groups.
The most contentious episode came during the World Cup knockout stage, after the US men's national team defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the round of 32. US striker Folarin Balogun was sent off for a tackle on Bosnia's Tarik Muharemović and received a one-match ban, which would have sidelined him for the crucial round of 16 match against Belgium.
FIFA then made a surprise decision to suspend the ban after Trump called Infantino to request a review. The intervention sparked outrage across the football world and beyond. Several members of the European Parliament called for an investigation into Infantino, while the non-profit human rights organisation FairSquare filed a complaint with the International Olympic Committee, alleging that Infantino had “repeatedly breached IOC’s rules on political neutrality by offering his political support” for Trump.
Infantino defended the decision, stating that FIFA's judicial bodies are independent. “Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected,” he said in a statement earlier this month. He confirmed receiving a call from Trump about the Balogun incident but insisted that the case was handled by the competent bodies.
The episode has raised broader questions about Infantino's suitability for a role that demands political neutrality. The UN secretary-general is expected to navigate complex geopolitical tensions, including those involving European powers such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Critics argue that Infantino's close ties to Trump could undermine the UN's credibility, particularly on issues like US military engagements in the Middle East and European security concerns.
Infantino's potential candidacy also comes amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and European institutions. Trump has previously criticised European allies over defence spending and trade, and his administration has pursued policies that diverge from European consensus on climate and multilateralism. A Trump-backed UN chief could further strain transatlantic relations.
The UN Security Council is expected to begin informal consultations on candidates in the coming months. While the United States wields significant influence, the final decision requires consensus among the five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—as well as support from at least four of the ten non-permanent members. European diplomats have expressed concern that Infantino's candidacy could politicise the selection process.
For now, Infantino has not publicly confirmed any interest in the role. But the report has already sparked debate in Brussels and other European capitals about the future of the UN and the integrity of its leadership selection.
