Trump Warns FIFA Against Replacing Infantino: ‘It Would Be a Terrible Mistake’

On Aug 11, 2026

Pressure is mounting on the world soccer governing body as the FIFA leadership crisis has gone into a new phase. U.S. President Donald Trump is publicly supporting Gianni Infantino. He is warning that replacing the FIFA president would be a “terrible mistake.”

His intervention arrives at a tough time for Infantino, who has been under growing pressure from a number of big soccer confederations, especially UEFA.

The U.S. president has been close to Infantino ever since the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Trump Calls Infantino a ‘Fantastic’ FIFA President

In a statement, Trump stated that FIFA should not remove Infantino and called it a “big mistake.

“FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino,” Trump said.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino delivers remarks alongside U.S. President Donald Trump at a FIFA Reception at Trump. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

He also commended Infantino’s leadership and cited the success of the 2026 World Cup as proof of his leadership. Trump called Infantino “fantastic” and claimed he had run the “most successful World Cup ever.”

Trump added, “He is fantastic, having just presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented. If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again.”

The comments are another public gesture of support from Trump to Infantino, who has been previously praised by the U.S. president as the FIFA president.

Why Is Gianni Infantino Facing Pressure?

Trump’s remarks come amid a major crisis for Infantino in the soccer world.

The Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf have joined UEFA in criticizing FIFA for a plan to sell a 20% stake in the commercial rights of the World Cup to private investors for about $4.2 billion. The three confederations said Infantino had not consulted enough and demanded an independent review of the proposal.

The backlash has led to doubts about Infantino’s future as he prepares for the FIFA presidential election in March 2027. He still has some backing from FIFA member associations despite the criticism.

Trump’s intervention is thus timely. While the U.S. president cannot determine FIFA’s leadership, his public endorsement adds another significant voice to the debate over Infantino’s future.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Crédito: Link de origem