Trump backs Infantino for UN chief as FIFA faces fresh criticism
What's new: The UN post opens Jan. 1, 2027, but any candidate must clear the 15-member Security Council and the General Assembly.
The Guardian (Football), BBC Sport +1
Subject
#Gianni Infantino
UEFA president boycotts 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey
Among the triggers was the lifting of Folarin Balogun's suspension after intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Series: Fifa World Cup · 2026 Final Fallout · 2 chapters since Jul 21Council of Europe faults FIFA over betting and World Cup integrity
Why it matters: The rights body urged FIFA to build a tougher integrity framework before the 2030 tournament in Spain and Portugal.
Trump, Infantino tout 7 million fans before World Cup final
What's next: Trump is set to attend the Argentina-Spain final after the US hosted 11 of the tournament's 16 venues.
Republika, Fox News
Trump, Sanchez to attend Argentina-Spain World Cup final
What's new: FIFA plans winner rings for the champions, and Trump is set to present the trophy at MetLife Stadium.
The Straits Times, The Hill
Trump to attend Spain-Argentina World Cup final on July 19
What's next: The White House said Trump will also attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower on July 17 and is expected to help present the trophy.
The Straits Times, The Guardian (Football) +1
Balogun says World Cup ban reversal rattled US teammates
What's new: his remarks came as FairSquare filed an IOC complaint over FIFA's handling of the suspension after Trump's intervention.
The Guardian (Football), Fox News +1
FIFA weighs 64-team World Cup for 2030 after 48-team debut
What's next: FIFA committees are set to review the idea after the 2026 tournament, with some regional leaders warning a bigger field could disrupt qualifying.
IOC ethics complaint targets Infantino after Trump FIFA lobbying
What's new: FairSquare said it will ask Olympic investigators to examine whether FIFA breached political neutrality rules.
IOC ethics complaint targets Infantino after Trump FIFA lobbying
What's new: FairSquare plans to file with the IOC, extending scrutiny beyond FIFA after Balogun's ban was lifted before the Belgium match.
Trump calls FIFA as Balogun ban is lifted before US-Belgium match
What's new: Trump said he spoke to FIFA before the US striker's one-game suspension was paused, letting the tournament's top US scorer play.
BBC News (US & Canada), Fox News
Trump sought Balogun review after red card, FIFA cleared him to face Belgium
Why it matters: Belgium’s federation says it contests Balogun’s eligibility, while UEFA warned the move put football’s integrity at stake.
Fifa defends Balogun reprieve after Uefa attacks World Cup call
What's new: Fifa said its disciplinary panel acted independently, even after Donald Trump acknowledged calling Gianni Infantino.
FIFA lets Balogun face Belgium after US protests red card
What's new: The intervention drew in Donald Trump and Marco Rubio ahead of the U.S. World Cup round-of-16 match in Seattle.
Bloomberg, NPR +2
Trump sought FIFA review as Balogun ban lift roils US-Belgium tie
What's next: Belgium has challenged Folarin Balogun's eligibility, but FIFA ruled its federation lacks standing to appeal.
The New York Times, Bloomberg +2
Trump set to hand World Cup trophy to winner at July 19 final
What's next: FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he will join Trump for the ceremony at New York New Jersey Stadium.
FIFA pulls commentator’s World Cup pass after live on-air rant
What's new: Jorge Chipi Vera said the ban bars any World Cup coverage, inside or outside stadiums, after he insulted Gianni Infantino and a referee.
Iran World Cup team ordered back to Tijuana after LA draw
Why it matters: Iran says visa, ticket and travel problems are disrupting recovery before group games against Belgium and Egypt.
US grants Iran team visas 10 days before World Cup opener
What's new: Washington cleared players and necessary staff, but signaled it will screen out anyone tied to the IRGC.
The New York Times, ABC News +1