Donald Trump has suggested that FIFA President Gianni Infantino be considered as a candidate for Secretary-General of the United Nations [1].
The proposal represents a potential shift in the leadership of the international body toward a high-profile sports administrator. This move could signal a desire to align the UN with figures who possess global visibility and a friendly relationship with U.S. interests [2].
The suggestion follows the timeline of the 2026 [1] FIFA World Cup. Trump said that appointing a figure like Infantino after the tournament would benefit the United States and its strategic goals at the New York City headquarters [1].
Infantino has acknowledged a direct communication regarding the matter. "I received a call from President Donald Trump to talk about the UN," Infantino said [3].
Reports vary on the formality of the proposal. Some sources said that Trump wants Infantino as the next leader of the organization [2]. However, other reports indicate that while a phone call occurred, Infantino did not state that he had been formally nominated for the position [3].
The appointment of a Secretary-General requires a complex process of nomination and approval by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council. The idea of transitioning from the head of global football to the head of global diplomacy has sparked debate among observers regarding the qualifications required for the role [1].
Infantino continues to lead FIFA during the preparations for the 2026 [1] tournament, which will be hosted across North America. The timing of the suggestion links the global sporting event to the political maneuvering within the UN [2].
“"I received a call from President Donald Trump to talk about the UN,"”
This proposal highlights a strategy of prioritizing personal alignment and global celebrity over traditional diplomatic experience. If pursued, such a nomination would likely face significant scrutiny from UN member states who view the Secretary-General as a neutral mediator rather than a political appointee, potentially creating tension between the U.S. and the General Assembly.
