WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump turned the spotlight onto FIFA president Gianni Infantino ahead of Friday’s 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, praising the football boss’ organization of the world’s biggest sporting event. Infantino has been criticized in recent months by some observers who accuse him of drawing uncomfortably close to Trump, whose administration has taken a high-profile role in US preparations for what will be the biggest and most logistically-challenging World Cup ever.

US President Donald Trump will play a key part in one of the highest-profile World Cup draws in FIFA history.

Friday’s World Cup draw in Washington DC will be the latest illustration of the ever-closer relationship between US President Donald Trump and Fifa president Gianni Infantino.