It’s Week 2 of the World Cup, and for many, the focus remains on the game. Devoted fans often defy time zones, staying up into the early hours. FIFA’s decision to host the tournament in the United States has led to sleep deprivation for some. For FIFA, however, this choice translates to substantial profits. This World Cup is set to be the most lucrative in history.
FIFA has long sought to capture the attention of the American audience. This ambition is a key reason behind the close relationship between Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, and former President Donald Trump. Infantino’s rapport with Trump is unmatched by any previous FIFA president’s relationship with a world leader, influencing the organization significantly.
Rebecca Ruiz and Tariq Panja explore the influence of Trump on FIFA in their article.
Gianni Infantino at the White House with President Trump in 2025 is an iconic image. This represents the intertwining of FIFA’s objectives with American political dynamics.
FIFA’s Strategic Moves
Last fall, Infantino had a novel concept. The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan politician María Corina Machado. Trump was vocal about his desire for the prize and showed his disappointment when he didn’t receive it.
Seeing an opportunity, Infantino, who aimed to secure Trump as an ally, proposed an idea: Why not establish a FIFA peace prize? The first recipient would be Trump, naturally.