Key facts
- President Donald Trump reportedly favors FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the UN Secretary General role.
- Infantino's candidacy would require endorsement from the UN Security Council's five permanent members.
- The UN Secretary General is appointed by the General Assembly upon recommendation from the Security Council.
- Seven candidates have been nominated, including Michelle Bachelet and Mariano Grossi.
- Infantino, as a European, faces traditional geographical rotation norms and calls for a female leader.
President Donald Trump reportedly favors FIFA President Gianni Infantino as a potential successor to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, viewing him as a respected figure capable of uniting people, as evidenced by the 2026 World Cup's success. However, Infantino's path to the top UN job would be complex, as his endorsement alone is insufficient.
The UN Secretary General is chosen through a process involving nomination by member states, public hearings, and confidential straw polls by the Security Council, culminating in a recommendation to the General Assembly. The five permanent members of the Security Council—the US, China, Russia, France, and the UK—each hold veto power, meaning any one of them could block a candidate.
While Trump could nominate Infantino, his acceptance would hinge on geopolitical acceptability among these key nations. The traditional informal practice of geographical rotation suggests a European candidate might have fewer chances, especially as Guterres is also from Portugal. Furthermore, there is a growing sentiment that the next Secretary-General should be a woman, as all previous ten holders of the post have been men.
Infantino's history of governance controversies at FIFA, including concerns over human rights linked to the World Cups in Russia and Qatar, could also present challenges. Despite these potential obstacles, supporters might point to his management of FIFA and its global reach as qualifications. The selection process is underway, with Guterres's second term ending this year, and candidates are expected to be considered by the Council soon.