FIFA boss and the US President have buddied up in recent months, as Infantino looks for a staunch deep- pocketed supporter of football in the US.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that US President Donald Trump will be in attendance at today’s Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain – and yes, they’ll be sitting together.
“President Trump will be in the final. He loves football,” Infantino said, clearly delighted. The final will be held at the MetLife Stadium just outside New York.
Infantino and Trump have become rather chummy in recent months, showering each other with compliments and photo ops. Infantino even turned up at Trump’s second inauguration – the only major sports executive to do so – and hasn’t missed a beat since.
“It’s an incredible honor and privilege,” he said of being invited to Washington.
Trump’s flattery has matched the tone. Infantino, he says, is “a winner” and “an excellent guy.” Not your typical football press conference vocabulary, but this is far from a typical relationship.
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They’ll both be on hand to present the trophy after the match, in what’s becoming a rather cosy double act. Earlier this week, Infantino announced a new FIFA office inside Trump Tower, no less, alongside Eric Trump.
Since Trump returned to office, Infantino’s visits have multiplied. He’s been spotted at receptions, meetings, even borrowing Trump’s famous slogan: “Together, we will make not only America great again but also the entire world!”
When asked about Trump’s strict immigration policies – which could pose a major headache for the 2026 World Cup – Infantino didn’t seem worried. “Everyone who wants to come here to enjoy, to have fun, to celebrate the game will be able to do that,” he insisted, while standing right next to Trump at the White House.
That may not entirely reflect reality. As of June, nationals from 12 countries are banned from entering the US due to Trump’s bans, and there are partial restrictions on several more. Despite these glaring obstacles, Infantino waved away concerns, citing “excellent collaboration with the president and the Task Force in particular.”
The bond between the two seems to boil down to this: Trump wants football to thrive in America – with all the money and muscle that brings – and FIFA wants a wealthy, willing host.
The US is already locked in to host the expanded 2026 World Cup, and likely the women’s edition in 2031.
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