US President Trump has reportedly set his sights on FIFA President Gianni Infantino as the successor to the current UN Secretary-General, according to The New York Post.

Infantino, who was born in Switzerland, has built a strong partnership with Trump while collaborating on this year's World Cup hosted in part by the United States. The FIFA leader awarded Trump the organization's first Peace Prize last December, and the pair appeared together at the final in New Jersey on Sunday to hand over the trophy to Spain.

Trump has stated that Infantino commands respect worldwide and possesses a distinctive skill for uniting diverse groups. As a result, he is pushing for the FIFA president to take over from Antonio Guterres, whose term ends this year.

Trump's special envoy for global partnerships, Paolo Zampolli, highlighted parallels between the two organizations. He noted that the UN involves 193 member states while FIFA has more than 200, adding that Infantino's experience demonstrates his management capabilities.

Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has criticized the UN for failing to resolve international conflicts and for relying too heavily on statements. This frustration led him to establish the Board of Peace, which played a central role in the Gaza peace plan.

Trump pulls US out of more than 30 UN bodies including WHO and UNESCO

Trump has also withdrawn the United States from over 30 UN entities such as the World Health Organization, UNESCO, and the UN Human Rights Council, citing inefficiency and unnecessary spending of public funds.

It remains uncertain if Infantino, who is already running for another term as FIFA president next year, is interested in the UN position or has spoken with Trump about it. Selection for the role involves a detailed process.

Any candidate must secure support from nine of the 15 UN Security Council members without vetoes from the permanent five - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States - followed by approval from a majority in the 193-member General Assembly.

Infantino has faced recent criticism over the lifting of a one-match ban on US striker Folarin Balogun. After a red card in a win against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Trump contacted Infantino, and the suspension was reversed before the next game. This move raised concerns about external influence on FIFA decisions.

The reversal drew anger from several European nations, though it did not affect the outcome as Belgium defeated the United States. Some observers continue to call for Infantino's removal from FIFA over the matter.

Other contenders largely from Latin America

Additional candidates for the UN post exist, primarily from Latin America and the Caribbean, a region without representation in the role since 1991. None has emerged as a frontrunner so far.

Former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet is under consideration but may encounter resistance from the United States. Argentina's Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, is another name, though the United Kingdom could object due to the Falklands dispute.

Should Infantino secure the position ahead of others, it could help mend Trump's strained relations with the UN.