Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential election has made headlines around the world. Returning to the White House after four years, Trump has received congratulations from leaders of various nations.

Among them, FIFA President Gianni Infantino extended his congratulations, marking the occasion with a message on Instagram. “Congratulations, Mr. President! We will have a great FIFA World Cup and a great FIFA Club World Cup in the United States of America! Soccer unites the world,” Infantino wrote.

Trump’s close relationship with FIFA

The relationship between Trump and FIFA could hardly be stronger. Trump played a pivotal role in the 2026 Bid, which successfully secured the World Cup for the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

During his first term, Trump, often with the support of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, maintained an excellent relationship with Infantino. According to The Athletic, Trump has long been a supporter of soccer—a sport he played during his time at military academy.

Infantino visited the White House up to three times, and their relationship flourished to the point that the FIFA president even told Trump, “You are now part of the FIFA team.”

The two last met at the 2020 World Economic Forum in Davos, where they laid the groundwork for their collaboration, even taking time to play golf together.

“President Trump is definitely an athlete,” Infantino said at the Davos event. “I’ve been fortunate in my life to meet some of the most talented athletes in soccer, and President Trump is made of the same fiber.

“He’s a competitor—he wants to compete, he wants to win, he wants to prove who is the best. He says what many people think, but more importantly, he does what he says.” Trump, in turn, expressed his gratitude, calling Infantino “a great friend.”