Why Trump and Infantino Need Each Other

WASHINGTON D.C. :  The unusually close alliance between US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino is a strategic relationship driven by mutual necessity: a global platform for the President and a massive financial boon for the governing body.

Infantino has been a consistent presence at Trump-related events, including the 2020 signing of the Abraham Accords and Trump’s second inauguration, with FIFA formally hailing their “close friendship.” Infantino insists the relationship is purely practical, given the importance of the US co-hosting the World Cup and the expanded Club World Cup.

This proximity, however, has intensified scrutiny. Critics argue it risks impeding Infantino’s ability to uphold FIFA’s commitments to human rights and inclusivity, especially amid concerns over Trump administration policies.

Concerns about the World Cup being a welcoming event are rising due to White House immigration policies. In June, 19 countries—predominantly in Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean—were listed for full or partial immigration restrictions. Worryingly, Iran and Haiti, two nations whose teams have qualified for the tournament, are on the list.

While athletes and coaching staff are exempt from the executive order, fans from these nations could face travel bans. Human Rights Watch criticized the situation, stating the draw takes place against “a backdrop of violent detentions of immigrants… and the obsequious cancellation of Fifa’s own anti-racism and anti-discrimination campaigns.”

Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House’s World Cup Task Force, defended authorities’ priority of ensuring visitors enter the US legally for safety reasons, but did not rule out potential ICE raids targeting undocumented immigrants near World Cup venues.

For Infantino, the co-hosted World Cup is set to be the most lucrative sports event ever staged and is essential for his re-election in 2027. FIFA expects to bring in a record £10 billion in its 2023–2026 cycle.

A significant portion of this record revenue will come from a controversial ticket resale platform unique to the deregulated US market, which allows FIFA to earn an unprecedented 30% commission on every transaction. Fan representatives have condemned the move, citing the risk of supporter exploitation.

For Trump, the tournament is an “incredibly significant economic opportunity,” projected by FIFA to generate £22 billion for the US economy and create nearly 200,000 jobs, offering a welcome global projection opportunity ahead of the 250th anniversary of US independence. The true strength of the Trump-Infantino alliance will be severely tested as logistics and political pressures intensify over the coming months.