FIFA's Infantino seeks Trump administration's support ahead of 2027 election

WASHINGTON, United States — FIFA President Gianni Infantino is preparing to speak with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as he seeks backing from the Trump administration, the New York Post reported. The 56-year-old has approached Washington amid growing pressure over his leadership, according to the newspaper. The report comes after a plan to sell commercial rights for the World Cup to private companies collapsed. The proposal triggered a unanimous boycott of the 2030 World Cup, set to be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, by the Union of European Football Associations. Infantino later announced he was officially withdrawing the plan. Infantino is expected to use the call with Rubio to discuss football's potential as a tool of soft power for the United States, though the New York Post said his primary goal is to secure his position. Infantino has built a close relationship with President Donald Trump ahead of the 2026 World Cup and presented him with the FIFA Peace Award late last year, but Trump has not responded to his recent phone calls, the newspaper reported. According to the New York Post, Infantino plans to run for re-election in March 2027.