FIFA President Gianni Infantino supports Trump during his Gulf tour, symbolizing robust ties between soccer and U.S. leadership as World Cup duties transition to the U.S.
**Trump's Gulf Tour Welcoming FIFA President Infantino Amid World Cup Transition**
**Trump's Gulf Tour Welcoming FIFA President Infantino Amid World Cup Transition**
President Trump and FIFA's Infantino strengthen ties during Qatar World Cup handover ceremony.
May 14, 2025, 6:19 a.m. ET
As President Trump embarks on a state visit to Saudi Arabia, he's welcomed by a notable ally: Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, who has been a steadfast supporter since Trump's initial term in office. Their association has raised eyebrows in soccer communities globally, suggesting a relationship that transcends the usual functions of a World Cup host nation leader.
Infantino is set to join Trump during the next phase of his Gulf tour in Qatar, a country that recently hosted the World Cup in 2022. At a high-profile ceremony, the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, will officially transfer the World Cup hosting responsibilities to Trump, as the United States gears up to co-host the 2026 tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.
Interestingly, Canadian and Mexican representatives are anticipated to be absent from this event, despite their nations’ involvement in the upcoming World Cup. Trump, playfully noting friction caused by his tariffs with the two countries, joked last week about Infantino downplaying their roles in the proceedings.
The FIFA president's decision to accompany Trump surprised many at FIFA's annual congress taking place in Paraguay, where discussions were significantly distanced from the Gulf events. In fact, the FIFA board meeting originally planned for this week had to be switched to a video conference format to accommodate Infantino's travel plans with the U.S. delegation.
FIFA commented on Infantino's participation, mentioning that he accepted invitations to essential events alongside global leaders, where discussions about FIFA World Cups will be prominent. Following his Gulf commitments, Infantino is scheduled to fly to Paraguay on Thursday for the congress that had its timing adjusted significantly to fit his itinerary.
As President Trump embarks on a state visit to Saudi Arabia, he's welcomed by a notable ally: Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, who has been a steadfast supporter since Trump's initial term in office. Their association has raised eyebrows in soccer communities globally, suggesting a relationship that transcends the usual functions of a World Cup host nation leader.
Infantino is set to join Trump during the next phase of his Gulf tour in Qatar, a country that recently hosted the World Cup in 2022. At a high-profile ceremony, the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, will officially transfer the World Cup hosting responsibilities to Trump, as the United States gears up to co-host the 2026 tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.
Interestingly, Canadian and Mexican representatives are anticipated to be absent from this event, despite their nations’ involvement in the upcoming World Cup. Trump, playfully noting friction caused by his tariffs with the two countries, joked last week about Infantino downplaying their roles in the proceedings.
The FIFA president's decision to accompany Trump surprised many at FIFA's annual congress taking place in Paraguay, where discussions were significantly distanced from the Gulf events. In fact, the FIFA board meeting originally planned for this week had to be switched to a video conference format to accommodate Infantino's travel plans with the U.S. delegation.
FIFA commented on Infantino's participation, mentioning that he accepted invitations to essential events alongside global leaders, where discussions about FIFA World Cups will be prominent. Following his Gulf commitments, Infantino is scheduled to fly to Paraguay on Thursday for the congress that had its timing adjusted significantly to fit his itinerary.
