As President Trump embarks on a state visit to Saudi Arabia, he encountered a recognizable figure in the realm of international sports: Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA. This meeting marks a continuation of what has been seen as a close-knit alliance between Trump and Infantino, a relationship that stretches back to Trump's first presidential term and raises eyebrows across multiple sectors, especially within soccer.
On this particular leg of Trump's tour, Infantino is set to play a prominent role, presiding over a significant ceremony where Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, will formally transfer the responsibilities of hosting the World Cup to President Trump. This transition is particularly noteworthy as the U.S. is preparing to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.
Within FIFA, Infantino's decision to accompany Trump on this trip has sparked surprise among members attending the FIFA annual congress in Paraguay. The FIFA board had originally scheduled a meeting for this week but quickly shifted it to a video conference format, allowing Infantino to partake in this unique diplomatic endeavor in the Gulf.
The ceremony underlines the evolving role of sports in international diplomacy, with Infantino’s presence indicating FIFA's alignment with Trump’s administration. Despite the absence of representatives from Canada and Mexico—potential points of contention due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration—Infantino's engagement suggests an intent to downplay those tensions.
According to FIFA's statement, Infantino's attendance at pivotal global events signifies the importance placed on the World Cup discussions amid political dynamics. Infantino is expected to fly back to Paraguay for the congress shortly after concluding his engagements in the Gulf, which have been specially arranged to coincide with Trump's itinerary, further demonstrating the intertwined nature of sports and statecraft in today's geopolitical landscape.
