FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino Attends Egypt Peace Summit with Donald Trump
FIFA President Gianni Infantino made headlines this week after appearing at the Summit for Peace in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, alongside U.S. President Donald Trump. The surprise attendance marked the latest in a string of joint appearances between the football chief and the American leader during Trump’s second presidential term.
The peace summit, held at Egypt’s Red Sea resort city, was primarily attended by world leaders, presidents, and senior officials. Infantino’s presence highlighted football’s emerging role in global diplomacy and peacebuilding, particularly following the recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire.
Why Was FIFA President Invited to the Peace Summit?
According to Infantino, he was personally invited by President Trump to attend the Summit for Peace. “FIFA is here to help, to assist, and to make sure that the peace process comes to fruition in the best possible way,” Infantino said in his address.
His participation came as part of a broader initiative to use football as a unifying force in the Middle East. In recent weeks, the FIFA president has been increasingly vocal about supporting peace efforts across the region, urging the global football community to stand against division and violence.
Infantino’s statements followed the U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal announced last Friday between Israel and Hamas. Praising the agreement, he described Trump’s diplomatic role as “absolutely fundamental,” suggesting that without Trump’s involvement, “there would be no peace.” He even went as far as to say that the U.S. president deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for his contribution to the talks.
Infantino’s Role in Sharm El-Sheikh
At the summit, Infantino emphasized that football can play a key role in rebuilding Gaza and restoring hope among communities devastated by conflict.
“Football’s role is to unite, to support, and to give hope,” Infantino told the audience. “In Gaza and Palestine, FIFA will help rebuild all football facilities and bring back the joy of the game. Together with the Palestinian Football Association, we will build new pitches, provide training, and organize competitions.”
He announced that FIFA would launch a dedicated fund to rebuild football infrastructure in Palestine, adding that the organization would provide equipment, coaches, and “FIFA arenas” to the region. “Football brings hope to children, and it’s very, very important,” Infantino added.
This pledge aligns with FIFA’s ongoing humanitarian initiatives, which aim to use sport as a vehicle for peace, inclusion, and development across conflict-affected regions.
Trump and Infantino: A Growing Friendship
The partnership between Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino dates back to 2018, when the FIFA president visited the White House following the announcement that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Their relationship grew during Trump’s first term and became more visible after the two shared the stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2020. At that time, Infantino famously referred to Trump as “my great friend,” signaling a close rapport between the two.
Even after Trump left office in early 2021, the pair reportedly maintained contact. When Trump returned to the presidency, their public appearances resumed — notably during the 2025 Summit for Peace and earlier events in Washington, D.C.
In August 2025, Infantino visited the Oval Office, where he presented Trump with a gold replica of the World Cup trophy, an image that quickly went viral online.
Since relocating FIFA’s operations for the 2026 World Cup to Miami in late 2024, Infantino has been based in Trump’s hometown — making their frequent meetings and collaborations easier.
Football’s Role in Peacebuilding
Infantino’s message in Egypt underscored his belief that football has the power to transcend political and cultural divisions. By helping to rebuild Gaza’s football infrastructure, FIFA aims to give young people opportunities for unity and hope amid hardship.
“Sport has an incredible ability to heal wounds,” Infantino said. “Through football, we can help rebuild communities, restore joy, and inspire the next generation to look forward, not backward.”
His remarks also align with FIFA’s Football for Hope initiative, which has previously supported reconstruction projects in countries affected by war or disaster.
The symbolic gesture of including FIFA at a high-level peace summit was widely interpreted as a recognition of sport’s soft power in global diplomacy.
Trump Praises FIFA’s Efforts
President Trump, in his address, praised Infantino’s efforts to bring people together through football. “What Gianni and FIFA are doing is remarkable,” Trump said. “Sport can unite where politics divide, and I’m proud to see football playing its part in this peace process.”
The U.S. president reiterated his commitment to maintaining peace in the Middle East and said that his administration would “work closely with international partners, including FIFA,” to ensure reconstruction efforts in Gaza continue smoothly.
Looking Ahead: FIFA’s Next Steps in the Middle East
Following the peace summit, Infantino announced that a FIFA delegation would visit Gaza and the West Bank in the coming months to assess the damage to local football facilities and plan reconstruction projects.
The initiative will include:
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Rebuilding stadiums and community football fields in affected areas.
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Organizing youth tournaments to promote peace and social cohesion.
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Training local coaches and referees to strengthen grassroots football.
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Partnering with global sponsors and NGOs to fund long-term development programs.
Infantino stressed that FIFA’s goal is not only to rebuild infrastructure but also to restore hope. “Football is more than a game,” he said. “It is a symbol of peace, resilience, and humanity.”
Conclusion
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s appearance alongside Donald Trump at the Egypt Peace Summit sent a strong message about the unifying power of football in times of division and conflict. His commitment to rebuilding Gaza’s football infrastructure demonstrates FIFA’s growing role beyond sport — as a bridge for peace and community restoration.