U.S. President Trump wants FIFA President Gianni Infantino to be the next secretary-general of the United Nations, according to American and western press reports.
The 2nd term of the current UN chief, António Guterres, ends on December 31, 2026. The 15-member UN Security Council is currently reviewing candidates in closed-door discussions before making a final recommendation to the UN General Assembly later this year.
Several candidates have been participating in public hearings and dialogues throughout 2026, including Michelle Bachelet (Former Chilean President), Macky Sall (Former Senegalese President), Rafael Grossi (Director General of the IAEA) and Rebeca Grynspan (Former Costa Rican Vice President). Now, U.S. President is reportedly adding his pick (Infantino) for the next UN Secretary General. Infantino, 56, grew close to Trump through organizing this year’s World Cup.
According to a source cited by New York Post, Trump believes that Infantino “is respected by everyone around the world, and recognizes he has a special ability to bring people together” demonstrated by the success of the 2026 World Cup.
To secure the UN Chief position, Infantino would need to win the endorsement of the 15-member Security Council — where the five permanent members hold vetoes — followed by confirmation by the General Assembly.
According to press reports, Trump thinks Infantino has a chance among the candidates vying for the UN chief job. The best-known contenders include Chile’s socialist former president Michelle Bachelet, who could face US resistance, and Argentina’s Rafael Grossi, the current director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, who could face concerns from the UK over the disputed Falkland Islands.
Trump’s pick is expected to upend the anticipated selection of a candidate from Latin America or the Caribbean — a region last represented by secretary-general Javier Pérez de Cuéllar of Peru between 1982 and 1991.
