FIFA Boss Congratulates Donald Trump on Becoming 47th US President

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has congratulated Donald Trump ahead of his return as US President.

Trump has declared victory and looks on course to defeat Democrat rival Kamala Harris. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the Jules Rimet trophy returning to North America for the first time since 1994. 

Infantino met Trump several times to discuss the World Cup, as well as talking about opening FIFA headquarters in the USA—which they did in 2023. 

"Congratulations Mr President!" Infantino wrote on Instagram on Wednesday (November 6, 2024) morning. 

"We will have a great FIFA World Cup and a great FIFA Club World Cup in the United States of America! Football Unites the World!"

Also Read: UK Prime Minister Says He Looks Forward to Working with Trump

The 2026 World Cup will be groundbreaking for a new format which has provoked much discussion. There will be a massive expansion and revamp to the tournament, with 48 teams (up from 32)—the three host nations and 45 qualifiers—playing 104 matches (up from 64), significant increases of around 50 per cent. 

FIFA president Infantino was elected on a pledge to create a 40-team World Cup. He insisted the £825million extra income and £530m extra profit this move is expected to create will trickle down to grassroots football, rather than lining the pockets of the fat cats at the top. 

Trump wins Election

Trump achieved an electoral college majority by maintaining his majorities with men and White voters without college degrees, while also overperforming with historic Democratic constituencies such as Latinos and young voters, according to preliminary exit polls.