US President Donald Trump reportedly wants FIFA president Gianni Infantino to become the next United Nations secretary-general after the 2026 soccer World Cup, according to the New York Post.

The newspaper said on Tuesday that Trump believes the Swiss soccer administrator — who this year was also granted Lebanese citizenship — has the global profile and leadership skills needed to unite countries through sport, following their increasingly close relationship during preparations for the World Cup.

Infantino would need to secure the backing of the 15-member UN Security Council before being confirmed by the General Assembly to replace António Guterres, whose term ends in December.

According to the report, it is unclear whether Infantino is interested in the role or whether Trump has discussed the proposal directly with him. It is understood that Trump views the current field of contenders as uninspiring and believes the FIFA chief could emerge as a strong outsider candidate.

Trump ally Paolo Zampolli reportedly supports the idea, arguing that Infantino’s experience leading soccer’s global governing body would translate well to the UN.

The proposal would break with expectations that the next secretary-general will come from Latin America or the Caribbean, a region widely seen as next in line for the post.

The current........

© The Times of Israel