On Monday, August 11th, 2026, US President Donald Trump stated it would be “a terrible mistake” to replace Gianni Infantino, the embattled FIFA president. Infantino has faced backlash after attempting and failing to sell part of the World Cup to private investors.

Infantino came under renewed criticism through an open letter signed by three major football confederations: Europe’s UEFA, North and Central America’s CONCACAF, and Asia’s AFC. The letter accused Infantino of breaking trust “through deception.”

Trump praised Infantino, calling him “fantastic” and highlighting that he “presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented.” Infantino had appeared likely to run unopposed for a fourth term after overseeing a successful World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada until his controversial plans were leaked.

Meanwhile, a recent meeting involving a select number of FIFA Management Committee members was described by critics as “a continuation of the very pattern of conduct that brought us to this moment.” Under Infantino’s leadership, critics say, “there is silence where there should be accountability, distance where there should be openness.”

Additional football news includes a Somali referee arriving for the UEFA Super Cup after World Cup exclusion, Palestinian club football set to restart in September following a Gaza war suspension, and anticipation for the 2026-27 European football season.

Sources