FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s delayed arrival from the Middle East due to his participation in U.S. President Donald Trump’s state visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar impacted the opening of FIFA’s annual meeting in Paraguay. Infantino’s flight from Doha, Qatar, to Paraguay was still en route during the scheduled start time of the meeting, leading to a three-hour delay. This meeting was crucial as it marked the last FIFA Congress before the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with officials from 211 member federations in attendance.

Infantino’s decision to accompany President Trump on his visits rather than meeting with the voting members drew attention, especially as Qatar and Saudi Arabia are set to host future World Cup tournaments. In Doha, the Qatari Emir hosted a state dinner for the visiting delegations, highlighting the close ties between Infantino and both the U.S. and Qatar administrations. President Trump is also expected to be involved in upcoming FIFA events, including presenting trophies at the Club World Cup and the World Cup finals.

These developments underscore the intricate relationships between FIFA, political leaders, and host nations of major sporting events. The article provides valuable insights into the dynamics shaping international sports governance and the connections between sports and geopolitics. For more updates on soccer and FIFA-related news, visit the AP soccer hub.