Trump defends FIFA president Infantino amid criticism

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, August 10, 2026, backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino, saying the football body would make a “terrible mistake” if it considered replacing him, The Hindu reported.

Trump made the remarks in a Truth Social post. “FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino,” he said, calling Infantino “fantastic.”

Trump said Infantino had “presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented.” He added: “If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again!”

The backing contrasts with U.S. Soccer, which issued a statement critiquing Infantino alongside Canada Soccer and football organizations in Central America and the Caribbean.

Infantino faces allegations of a workplace affair and criticism of a failed private investment scheme, The Hindu reported. He has denied wrongdoing, and FIFA has backed him, calling the backlash “a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine” the organization.

Infantino faces reelection next March. Other football organizations supporting him include the Confederation of African Football and CONMEBOL, the South American governing body.