Gianni Infantino Received Assurances From Donald Trump’s White House on Club World Cup and 2026 World Cup

FIFA President Secures U.S. Government Support for Major Tournaments

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revealed that he received full support and assurances from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s White House concerning both the Club World Cup and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. This confirmation adds a significant layer of political backing for two of global football's biggest events.

Behind-the-Scenes Conversations Between FIFA and the Trump Administration

In a recent discussion, Infantino acknowledged that he had engaged with key officials in the Trump administration. These conversations focused on the successful delivery of the newly expanded Club World Cup—set to debut in the United States in 2025—as well as the infrastructure and logistical elements of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Key Points From Infantino’s Statement:

• The White House provided direct support for FIFA operations during Trump's tenure.
• Infantino stated that the Trump administration was clearly in favor of both the Club World Cup and the 2026 tournament.
• Discussions included security, transit, diplomatic logistics, and overall governmental cooperation.

What This Means for the Club World Cup 2025

The Club World Cup will make its U.S. debut in 2025 with an expanded 32-team format. Infantino indicated that Trump's administration had already laid groundwork to ensure a seamless experience for players, fans, and staff traveling to the event. This proactive approach signals the U.S.'s willingness to establish itself as a global hub for major football tournaments.

2026 FIFA World Cup Preparation Efforts Accelerate

With the largest World Cup ever scheduled to kick off in 2026, involving 48 nations across three host countries, FIFA requires absolute coordination from all participating national governments. Infantino’s remarks reflect early efforts to build that coordination, and the indication of political goodwill strengthens the foundation for a successful event.

The 2026 tournament is expected to:

• Be played across 16 cities in North America
• Feature expanded participation with 48 national teams
• Deliver unprecedented economic and tourism boosts to host cities

Final Thoughts

FIFA's collaboration with global political leaders underscores the importance of cross-sector support in delivering world-class sports events. Infantino’s confirmation of backing from Donald Trump’s White House showcases how diplomacy and sport intersect to foster successful international cooperation.

As preparations for the Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup continue, involvement from both past and present U.S. administrations may prove crucial in shaping a truly memorable tournament experience for fans around the world.