FIFA President Infantino Courts US Mayors Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Infantino makes high-profile pitch to local leaders as FIFA works to lock in support for the tournament.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:55pm

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino will address the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C. this week, the latest stop in his multi-year charm offensive aimed at cultivating support from U.S. political leaders ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The appearance comes amid concerns from host cities about the implications of the Trump administration's immigration policies, and Infantino is expected to reiterate that fans from around the world will be 'welcome' at the tournament.

Why it matters

The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and securing the support of American political leaders at all levels of government is crucial for FIFA as it prepares to host the global event. Infantino's aggressive outreach to the White House and local officials underscores the importance of the U.S. market to FIFA, and his efforts to address concerns about immigration policies could have significant implications for the tournament's success.

The details

Infantino's appearance at the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Winter Meeting is part of a sustained tour that has seen him meet with President Trump at least eight times, more than any other world leader. He has also traveled frequently to the eleven American cities that will host World Cup matches. Infantino is expected to reiterate FIFA's commitment to ensuring a smooth visa process for international visitors, as concerns have been raised about the potential impact of the Trump administration's immigration policies.

  • Infantino will address the U.S. Conference of Mayors on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin in June 2026.

The players

Gianni Infantino

The current president of FIFA, the international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has met with Infantino at least eight times during his second term.

U.S. Conference of Mayors

A nonpartisan organization that represents the leaders of more than 1,400 cities in the United States.

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What they’re saying

“Fans from around the world will be 'welcome'.”

— Gianni Infantino, FIFA President (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

Infantino's appearance at the U.S. Conference of Mayors comes just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin. As FIFA continues its preparations for the tournament, the organization will likely continue its outreach to political leaders at all levels of government to ensure a smooth and successful event.

The takeaway

Infantino's aggressive outreach to U.S. political leaders, from the White House to city halls, underscores the importance of the American market to FIFA and the organization's efforts to address concerns about the potential impact of the Trump administration's immigration policies on the 2026 World Cup. The success of the tournament will depend in part on FIFA's ability to maintain strong relationships with local and national leaders in the host countries.