Trump Warns FIFA Against Ousting Infantino Amid World Cup Sell-Off Backlash

Trump defends FIFA President Gianni Infantino as confederations push for his exit over a failed plan to sell World Cup commercial rights to private investors.

First Published: August 11, 2026, 6:35 AM ET

WASHINGTON D.C. — Donald Trump warned FIFA it would be making a “terrible mistake” by replacing its embattled president, Gianni Infantino, the leader of world football’s governing body facing a revolt over a failed plan to sell off World Cup commercial rights.

The endorsement marks the first time the US president has publicly backed Infantino since European, Asian and North American confederations accused the Swiss official of “deception” in an open letter, according to thenationalnews.

“He is fantastic, having just presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented,” Trump said in the post. “If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again.”

The intervention lands as Infantino fights to keep his post before a presidential election in March, when he plans to seek a third four-year term, according to thenationalnews.

Here is the full post on truthsocial: “FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino. He is fantastic, having just presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented. If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DJT” on August 10, 2026 at 9:31 PM ET.

This is Trump’s 17th message released today, and the last post was 1 hour ago, and it is not part of a thread. On average, Trump produces 18 posts per day since his inauguration on January 20, 2025. The move fits a broader pattern in Trump’s recent messaging, with 40 of his 484 posts over the last 30 days classified as Personal Praise, Greetings and Tributes posts.

Infantino came under pressure after proposing FIFA Forward Enterprise, a new company to manage commercial and ticketing rights to all FIFA competitions, according to thenationalnews. The plan would have sold 21 percent to a private investment company. He apologized following criticism from dozens of FIFA member nations and some of the biggest names in world football, according to theguardian.

The stakes reach beyond a single leadership dispute. UEFA, the European governing body whose members include the richest football leagues in the world, is leading the push to oust Infantino, according to thenationalnews. It is weighing a boycott of the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments if he remains. UEFA, the AFC and Concacaf have urged an independent review of the scheme, warning that “leadership in football is not a possession,” according to theguardian.

The financial magnitude is significant for FIFA. The World Cup brought in more than $9 billion during the 2026 edition, a record, according to thenationalnews. Any boycott would first strike the 2027 women’s World Cup in Brazil, though youth tournaments are set to start in the coming months, according to thenationalnews.

Trump and Infantino share a close relationship. The United States, Canada and Mexico co-hosted the 2026 World Cup. Both men stood among the dignitaries on the field after Spain lifted the trophy on July 19 in New Jersey, according to thenationalnews.

The next decision rests with FIFA’s member confederations and its congress. The next FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March, according to thenationalnews.