Trump says it would be 'terrible mistake' to remove Infantino

US President Donald Trump has voiced strong opposition to any potential removal of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, calling such a move a "terrible mistake." Trump's statement comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Infantino's leadership and governance decisions at world football's governing body. The FIFA president has helmed the organization since 2016, overseeing significant tournaments including the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the 2022 Qatar World Cup which drew a record global audience of 3.5 billion viewers, and the expansion of the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Infantino's tenure has been marked by both transformative initiatives and controversies surrounding FIFA's operations and financial transparency. Under his leadership, FIFA has generated unprecedented broadcast revenues, with the 2022 World Cup generating approximately $7.5 billion in total revenues. The organization has also introduced structural reforms, including the establishment of new governance committees and increased investment in football development programs across member nations. However, critics have questioned various administrative decisions and governance practices, creating periodic pressure from stakeholders worldwide regarding the federation's direction and leadership accountability.

Trump's endorsement appears to strengthen Infantino's position as FIFA navigates its preparatory phases for upcoming competitions and organizational initiatives. The 2026 World Cup expansion represents one of Infantino's flagship achievements, fundamentally altering the tournament structure and expanding opportunities for participating nations. With presidential backing from a major global power and host nation of the expanded tournament, Infantino's leadership framework gains considerable diplomatic support. The FIFA president's ability to maintain backing from influential political figures suggests his continued authority will likely shape the organization's strategic direction through the next World Cup cycle and beyond.