FIFA has officially opened a new office in Trump Tower, New York City, further solidifying its growing relationship with the United States as the country prepares to host two of football’s biggest global events: the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The announcement was made during a high-profile event in the Trump Tower lobby, where the Club World Cup trophy was unveiled. The ceremony was attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Brazilian football legend Ronaldo, and Eric Trump, son of U.S. President Donald Trump and Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization.
“FIFA is a global organization, and to be global, you must be local. That’s why we must be in New York—not just for the Club World Cup this year and the World Cup next year—but also in terms of where our offices are based,” Infantino said.
“Thank you, Eric Trump, and of course, thank you to President Trump as well.”
FIFA did not reveal which departments would be housed in the new Manhattan office, but it now becomes a tenant of a property owned by the sitting U.S. president—an unprecedented move as the organization gears up for its most lucrative events.
The New York office adds to FIFA’s recent 2024 expansion into Miami, where its legal division and parts of the operations team for the Club World Cup and World Cup are currently based. Staff from FIFA’s global headquarters in Zurich have also relocated to the U.S. to support tournament preparations.
“On behalf of myself, New York, and the Trump Organization, we love you,” said Eric Trump at the event. “We’re honoured and excited about what FIFA is doing.”
Trump to Attend Club World Cup Final
President Donald Trump has confirmed he will attend the FIFA Club World Cup final this Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey—the same venue set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
His planned attendance further reflects the administration’s active involvement in global football affairs. Trump is currently leading a White House task force responsible for overseeing U.S. preparations for the two upcoming FIFA tournaments.
Earlier this year, Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend a Super Bowl, underscoring his growing visibility in major sporting events.
Controversy Over Immigration Policy Looms
However, Trump’s close association with FIFA has sparked debate, particularly due to his administration’s immigration policies. Reports indicate the White House is considering expanding the travel ban to include citizens from up to 36 countries, prompting concerns over fan accessibility and international participation in the U.S.-hosted tournaments.
While FIFA’s expansion into the U.S. market marks a strategic milestone, the alliance with a politically polarizing figure continues to generate scrutiny. Critics worry that ongoing policy tensions could undermine the inclusive spirit of global football events.
