US President Donald Trump is considering the possibility of FIFA president Gianni Infantino being a candidate for the post of United Nations Secretary-General, according to a New York Post report citing sources close to the White House.

According to these sources, Trump believes that Infantino can bring a significant change in the direction of the international organization and sees him as a figure with enough global prestige to replace Antonio Guterres, whose term ends on December 31.

The process to select the new UN chief has already begun, with the final candidate having to be approved by the 15-member UN Security Council. The idea to nominate Infantino is linked to the close relationship the two figures have built in recent years, especially after Trump returns to the White House in January 2025.

Their relationship became more visible during the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Earlier this year, Infantino awarded Trump the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World, in recognition, according to FIFA, of his efforts to broker ceasefires and peace agreements. The alliance between Trump and Infantino has also faced criticism, particularly after an episode during the World Cup.

After the match between the USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina, American striker Folarin Balogun was given a red card for a serious tackle and suspended for one match, which would have prevented him from playing in the next match against Belgium. However, FIFA decided to suspend his ban, a decision that caused strong reactions, as it came immediately after a phone call between Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino.

The decision drew international criticism. Some MEPs called for an investigation into the FIFA president's actions, while human rights groups raised concerns about the federation's political neutrality. Infantino defended the decision, saying FIFA's disciplinary bodies operate independently, while acknowledging that he regularly communicates with the US president on various issues. If Infantino's candidacy is confirmed, it would be one of the most unusual moves in the history of the race to lead the United Nations, bringing a figure from the world of sports to the helm of global diplomacy.