In a stunning revelation that exposes the political pressures behind world football's biggest decisions, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has disclosed his extraordinary confrontation with former US President Donald Trump over the 2026 World Cup hosting rights.
The football chief described how Trump allegedly attempted to leverage political influence during the bidding process, creating what Infantino characterised as a "delicate situation" for world football's governing body.
The Presidential Pressure Campaign
According to Infantino's account, Trump made direct contact regarding the United States' joint bid with Canada and Mexico, applying significant pressure at a crucial moment in the selection process. "He said to me, if you don't give the World Cup to the United States, you will never get a visa for the rest of your life," Infantino revealed during his address at the International Football Arena conference in Boston.
The FIFA president described the exchange as particularly challenging given the timing, occurring while the bidding nations were making their final presentations to FIFA members.
Standing Firm Against Political Influence
Infantino emphasised FIFA's determination to resist political interference in football matters. "We need to make sure that football is not dragged into every political or geopolitical battle," he stated, highlighting the organisation's commitment to maintaining the sport's independence.
The joint North American bid ultimately succeeded, winning the right to host the 2026 tournament despite the political tensions surrounding the process. Infantino's revelation provides unprecedented insight into the behind-the-scenes pressures that often accompany major sporting event allocations.
A Pattern of Political Engagement
This isn't the first time Infantino has navigated complex political relationships. The FIFA president has met with numerous world leaders during his tenure, including Trump at the White House in 2020. However, this latest disclosure reveals the more contentious aspects of those relationships when football governance intersects with international politics.
The incident raises broader questions about how global sporting organisations maintain their independence while engaging with world leaders whose countries are involved in bidding processes for major events.
