FIFA has come to a shock agreement with Donald Trump despite fears that the 2026 World Cup could be seriously impacted by the American President's politics.
Following on from hosting the Club World Cup across America this summer, the USA will serve as one of the co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup, alongside neighbours Canada and Mexico.
The tournament will make history as the first World Cup to be hosted by three countries, with the US acting as the home of the majority of the matches, using 11 different stadiums across the country, including the MetLife Stadium which will host the final on July 19.
Ahead of the tournament, FIFA have worked closely with US President Trump, despite some concerns regarding his recent decision on international tariffs.
Advert
And now, the world governing body have made a surprise decision showing just how close they are with the world leader.
On Monday evening, an official announcement from FIFA confirmed that they had opened a new office inside of Trump Tower in New York City.
The announcement came as part of an event in the skyscraper located on the south-west corner of Central Park, where the Club World Cup was displayed in the lobby alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the football legend Ronaldo Nazario.
Advert
Speaking at the event, Infantino said: "“Fifa [is] a global organisation [and] to be global, you have to be local, you have to be everywhere, so we have to be in New York.
"Not just for the Fifa Club World Cup this year and the Fifa World Cup next year – we have to be in New York as well when it comes to where our offices are based."
FIFA did not confirm exactly which departments would move to the New York office, or how involved it will be in the final planning for next year's World Cup.
Advert
Replying to Infantino's comments, Eric Trump, son of the US President, said: "On behalf of myself, on behalf of New York, on behalf of the Trump Organization and everybody that works in this building – we love you.
“We’re honoured, we’re excited about all the things that Fifa is doing.”
The decision comes after worries were raised about the impact Trump's tarriffs could have on the World Cup, as several brands from industries across the world may rethink getting involved in the competition if they feel as though they are not getting sufficient value.
According to Sky News, nations like the UK and Australia will be subjected to the blanket 10% US tariff going forward, while World Cup co-hosts Canada and Mexico would be subjected to 25% tariffs.
Topics: FIFA, Donald Trump, Football, Gianni Infantino, FIFA Club World Cup, FIFA World Cup, Football World Cup
Ben McCrum