WASHINGTON, United States: United States President Donald Trump reportedly wants FIFA President Gianni Infantino to succeed Antonio Guterres as the next United Nations secretary-general after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The New York Post, citing a source close to Trump, reported on July 21 that the president considered Infantino a globally respected figure. He is believed to be capable of bringing people together. However, the White House had not publicly announced a formal nomination.
Infantino has not publicly responded to the reported proposal. The Swiss football administrator announced in April that he intends to seek re-election as FIFA president in 2027.
Current UN Secretary-General António Guterres of Portugal will complete his second five-year term on December 31, 2026. His successor is expected to assume office in January 2027.
Under Article 97 of the UN Charter, the 15-member Security Council must recommend a candidate. Then, the 193-member General Assembly makes the appointment. Any of the five permanent Security Council members, the United States, China, Russia, France or the United Kingdom, can block a candidate.
Read: Next UN Secretary-General Candidates Face Crucial Public Test
The official selection process already includes several nominated candidates. They include former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet and International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of Argentina.
Infantino was not listed among the formally nominated candidates on the UN selection page as of July 23. Any eventual candidacy would require the backing of at least one UN member state before entering the official process
