Trump Backs Infantino, Citing World Cup Success Amid FIFA Pressure

U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, calling it a terrible mistake for FIFA to consider replacing him.

Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that Infantino presided over the most successful and profitable World Cup ever, and that future tournaments would not achieve the same success if Infantino were removed. This support comes as Infantino faces mounting pressure from several football confederations, including UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC, who issued a joint open letter accusing him of deception and a fundamental breach of trust over his abandoned proposal to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights to private investors.

The proposal aimed to raise approximately $4.2 billion. Despite the criticism, some federations, like Canada Soccer, are proceeding with plans for upcoming FIFA competitions, including the U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland. Malawi's FA chief, Fleetwood Haiya, also voiced support for Infantino, crediting FIFA's investment in African football under his leadership for Malawi's qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup. Infantino has been based at FIFA's regional headquarters in Rabat since the conclusion of the World Cup.