FIFA President Gianni Infantino will take the stage at the 94th Winter Session of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C., on Thursday to deliver a high-profile pitch to local leaders in the United States months ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Infantino’s appearance at the mayor’s party at the Marriott Marquis Hotel was the latest stop in a years-long charm offensive targeting U.S. political leaders as global soccer governing body FIFA works to lock in support ahead of the World Cup, which the U.S. co-hosts with Canada and Mexico.
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The U.S. Conference of Mayors is a nonpartisan group representing leaders from more than 1,400 cities, many of whom will be in Washington this week for a three-day conference focused on issues facing local governments.
Infantino’s emergence comes at a time of heightened anxiety in World Cup host cities over the impact of the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies. The shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis sparked riots and protests, with some in Europe calling for a boycott of the five-week tournament due to start in June.
In a speech titled “Celebrating the 2026 FIFA World Cup from Coast to Coast,” Infantino is likely to reiterate that fans from around the world will be “welcome,” as he does during his ongoing tour from the White House to City Hall, akin to a political campaign. He has often stressed that FIFA is working with the Trump administration to ensure a smooth visa process for tourists.
The appearance at the meeting of mayors also highlighted Infantino’s unusually active engagement with the centers of American power. Infantino has met with President Donald Trump at least eight times since the start of his second term, more than any world leader, and has traveled frequently to the 11 U.S. cities that will host World Cup matches.
Infantino recently attended Trump’s “Peace Commission” signing ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, less than two months after establishing the first FIFA Peace Prize and awarding it to Trump.
