As President Trump embarked on a state visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, a notable ally joined his delegation—Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA. Infantino's backing of Trump since his first term has raised eyebrows internationally, reflecting a relationship that transcends the typical dynamics between a World Cup host and FIFA leadership.
On Wednesday, Infantino will accompany Trump to Qatar, the Gulf nation renowned for hosting the 2022 World Cup. At this highly anticipated event, the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, is poised to formally pass World Cup hosting responsibilities to Trump, as the United States prepares to co-host the tournament in 2026 alongside Mexico and Canada. Notably, officials from Canada and Mexico will not attend.
Trump's recent remarks have notably stirred tensions with the neighboring nations, further complicating the tri-nation hosting agreement. Meanwhile, Infantino's decision to accompany Trump, while the FIFA annual congress takes place in Paraguay, has taken many by surprise. A scheduled FIFA board meeting was abruptly transitioned to a virtual conference to accommodate Infantino’s travel plans.
In a statement, FIFA emphasized the significance of Infantino’s participation in key events involving world leaders where both football and the World Cup will be focal points. With Infantino's return to Paraguay later in the week, the congress’s timing was adjusted to suit these unexpected developments, showcasing the intertwining of global politics and sports within the contemporary landscape.
