FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently traveled to Saudi Arabia during a state visit by U.S. President Donald Trump. The visit raised many eyebrows. It once again showed the growing bond between Trump and the head of world football.
Last year, FIFA changed a key rule. This change cleared the way for Saudi Arabia to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup on its own. The decision caused a lot of criticism around the world. Now, Infantino has visited that same country. But no one knows what was discussed during the trip.
A report by The New York Times said many FIFA officials were surprised by Infantino’s visit. At that time, FIFA was supposed to hold its yearly congress in Paraguay. But the event was moved online to allow Infantino to take his Middle East trip. This has made some FIFA members question his priorities.
FIFA released a statement saying that Infantino is meeting with world leaders. They said these talks include discussions about the World Cup and other global matters.
In 2026, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will host the FIFA World Cup together. Before that event, a symbolic handover ceremony will take place in Qatar. There, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will join Infantino for the event.
In that ceremony, Trump will receive the World Cup hosting symbol on behalf of the 2026 hosts. However, no leaders from Canada or Mexico will attend. This raised questions. Trump had earlier joked that Infantino knows who the “real host” is, pointing at the U.S.
Infantino and Trump have had a close relationship for years. Back in 2020, Infantino joined a dinner hosted by Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos. That same year, he also visited Dubai when Israel and the UAE agreed to restore ties. That deal was made with help from Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
In 2024, Infantino invited Trump to take part in the draw for a new Club World Cup. That tournament will take place in the U.S. this year. In fact, Infantino even stood on the stage during Trump’s second-term inauguration. Their public friendship has drawn attention.
The trophy for the Club World Cup is now being kept at the White House for a short time. This further highlights the growing link between Trump and FIFA’s top official.
These events are making people wonder: is the World Cup becoming a political tool?
Football has long been seen as a game that brings people together. But now, some say it may also be used for global politics. With Infantino’s strong ties to Trump and his decisions favoring powerful nations, concerns are growing.
Critics worry that FIFA is losing its neutral image. The fact that Infantino skipped an important FIFA congress to travel with Trump adds to those fears.
On paper, Infantino is promoting football around the world. But in practice, his actions seem to align closely with certain political interests. Whether it’s helping Saudi Arabia win the 2034 bid or giving Trump the spotlight ahead of 2026, the pattern is clear.
As football grows more powerful on the global stage, so does the influence of those who lead it. The World Cup is no longer just a sports event. It may now be a soft power tool in the hands of global leaders.
Time will tell whether this bond between football and politics will help or hurt the game. For now, the lines between the two seem more blurred than ever.