Incoming President Donald Trump mentioned Gianni Infantino and the 2026 World Cup during his victory speech on the eve of his inauguration.
FIFA President Infantino is in the United States for the launch of the Club World Cup trophy tour and to attend Trump's second inauguration, which will take place in Washington DC on Monday at of lunch.
The night before he was sworn in, Trump held a victory rally in front of his adoring supporters, and Infantino was on hand to take in the scenes in the US capital.
In addition, Infantino and the World Cup received a special mention from Trump, to the delight of the FIFA president.
“What an incredible honor (and) what an incredible privilege at the victory rally,” Infantino said on Instagram. 'President Donald J. Trump, in his speech, mentioned FIFA, he mentioned myself, thanking us and looking forward to the events that we are organizing here, of course, the (FIFA) World Cup primarily.
'Well, this is FIFA at its highest level of respect… to be mentioned by the new President of the United States of America in his victory rally, in his victory speech, is unique (and) is beautiful.
Gianni Infantino gives a thumbs up while attending Donald Trump's victory rally in Washington
Trump appointed FIFA president as he looked ahead to the World Cup in 2026.
“I would like to thank President Trump, with whom I have a great friendship, and assure him that, together, we will make not only America great again, but also the entire world, of course, because football – or soccer – unites the world. Goodbye!'
In his speech, Trump had said: “So the Olympics are fantastic, and (FIFA president) Gianni (Infantino) for the others, you know, for the (FIFA) World Cup.
“Gianni is the boss… so I'm going to be his president for the Olympic Games and for the (FIFA) World Cup. So Gianni, thank you for the World Cup (FIFA 2026) and everyone, thank you for the Games Olympics (2028), we are going to have a great time.”
Trump will be sworn in in Washington DC on Monday as he prepares to become US president for the second time.
In his first two years in office, the Club World Cup will be held on American soil this summer, followed by the World Cup next year in 2026.