US President Donald Trump intends to nominate FIFA President Gianni Infantino as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, according to multiple reports from July 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Trump believes Infantino is widely respected and has a unique ability to unite people around the world. An unnamed source close to Trump said Infantino “is respected by everyone around the world, and recognizes he has a special ability to bring people together.” [4]
Gianni Infantino, a 56-year-old Swiss-born football administrator, currently heads FIFA, the global governing body of soccer, which has 211 member associations supporting his leadership [1, 2]. Infantino also plans to seek re-election as FIFA President in March 2027, where he enjoys near unanimous backing from the federations [1, 2]. His connection with Trump has sparked backlash in and beyond the soccer community [1, 2].
If selected, Infantino would replace António Guterres, who is set to step down as UN Secretary-General on December 31, 2026, ending his current term[s1-s5]. The new Secretary-General term begins January 1, 2027[s3-s5]. UN rules require candidates to be recommended by the 15-member Security Council, where the five permanent members hold veto power, before appointment by the General Assembly[s1-s5].
Other candidates reported for the position include former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi from Argentina. Both face specific geopolitical opposition, while sources close to Trump describe the seven candidates as “very lame.” [1, 5]
Infantino’s annual earnings at FIFA are about $6 million, far exceeding the $418,000 salary for the UN Secretary-General position [1, 2]. During the 2026 World Cup, Infantino grew closer with Trump, even presenting him FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize in December 2025[s3-s5]. Trump has criticized the UN’s role in global conflicts and reduced US funding to UN agencies since returning to office in 2025[s1-s3].
The nomination process will unfold in the coming months, with the Security Council recommendation and General Assembly vote required before the new Secretary-General takes office on January 1, 2027[s1-s5]. Meanwhile, Infantino’s FIFA re-election campaign is scheduled for March 2027 [1, 2].
