FIFA World Cup 'will never be as profitable' if Infantino is ousted, Trump warns amid global soccer revolt

FIFA President Gianni Infantino with President of the United States Donald J. Trump with the FIFA World Cup trophy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match.Catherine Ivill - Ama | Getty Images Sport | Getty ImagesPresident Donald Trump leapt to the defense of FIFA chief Gianni Infantino on Monday, as the head of world soccer's governing body faces pressure to resign following a failed attempt to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.Trump wrote in a Truth Social post late on Monday that FIFA would be "making a terrible mistake" if member associations move to replace Infantino. Should he depart, Trump said that the tournament "will never be as successful or profitable again!"Infantino was the driving force behind FIFA's most recent commercialization push, which culminated in the largest, most profitable World Cup on record this year – hosted in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.But he was forced to apologize after his plans to form a subsidiary to run the tournament, which would have opened the door for investors to buy stakes of up to ​20% in a spinout firm, collapsed after widespread backlash across the sport.Trump's backing came after regional soccer governing bodies — Eu...