FIFA president Gianni Infantino gushes over Donald Trump after being namechecked in victory rally speech as World Cup fever heats up in USA | HO

Incoming president Donald Trump gave Gianni Infantino and the 2026 World Cup a mention during his victory rally speech on the eve of his inauguration.

FIFA chief Infantino is in America for the launch of the Club World Cup trophy tour and to attend Trump’s second inauguration, which takes place in Washington DC on Monday lunchtime.

On the night before he takes the oath, Trump held a victory rally in front of his adoring fans, and Infantino was in attendance to take in the scenes in the US capital.

Furthermore, Infantino and the World Cup got a special mention from Trump, much 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, mentioned myself, thanking us, looking forward to the events we are organizing here, of course, the (FIFA) World Cup mostly.

‘Well, this is FIFA at the maximum of its respect… being 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 as he attends Donald Trump's victory rally in Washington
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Gianni Infantino gives a thumbs-up as he attends Donald Trump’s victory rally in Washington

Trump namechecked the FIFA president as he looked ahead to the World Cup in 2026
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Trump namechecked the FIFA president as he looked ahead to the World Cup in 2026

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‘I would like to thank President Trump, with whom I have a great friendship, and to 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. Bye!’

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In his speech, Trump had said: ‘So the Olympics is great, and (FIFA President) Gianni (Infantino) for the others, you know, for the (FIFA) World Cup.

‘Gianni is the head of it… so I am going to be your President for the Olympics and for the (FIFA) World Cup. So Gianni, thank you for the (2026 FIFA) World Cup, and everybody, thank you for the (2028) Olympics, we are going to have a great time.’

Trump will take the oath of office in Washington DC on Monday as he prepares to become US president for the second time.

His first two years in the job will see the Club World Cup take place on US soil this summer, followed by the World Cup next year in 2026.

A FIFA spokesperson told MailSport: ‘The FIFA President accepted an invitation to attend the inauguration of the President of the United States on 20 January 2025.

‘Mr Infantino is spending more time in the United States prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and FIFA World Cup 2026.

‘The FIFA President regularly accepts invitations to meet world leaders as FIFA develops and promotes the game globally.’