Fifa, the world’s governing body for soccer, announced the opening of a new office in New York, located in the iconic Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. The move, revealed on July 7, 2025, by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, aims to bolster the organization’s presence in the United States, which will host the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup. The inauguration ceremony was attended by figures such as former player Ronaldo Nazário and Eric Trump, executive of the Trump Organization. The office will serve as a strategic hub to coordinate logistics, partnerships, and operations for both tournaments, solidifying Fifa’s ties with the U.S. government and sports organizations. The choice of location underscores the close relationship between Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump at a critical time for soccer in the country.
The decision to establish a base in Trump Tower comes amid Fifa’s expansion in the U.S. In addition to the new office, the organization already operates a headquarters in Coral Gables, Miami, housing its legal and compliance division. The New York location, according to Infantino, is strategic for being “where soccer happens,” especially with major events on the horizon. Proximity to sponsors, media, and government entities was a key factor.
FIFA inaugura escritório na Trump Tower em Nova York de olho na Copa do Mundo 2026
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- Main objectives of the office:
- Coordinate logistics for the 2025 Club World Cup and 2026 World Cup.
- Strengthen partnerships with sponsors and media in the U.S.
- Serve as a liaison with sports organizations and the government.
- Promote soccer in a growing market.
The office’s opening sparked debates, particularly due to the choice of Trump Tower, a symbol associated with the U.S. president. While some view the decision as practical, others point to the political ties between Infantino and Trump, which have intensified in recent months.
Strategic location in Manhattan
Trump Tower, located on prestigious Fifth Avenue, is one of New York’s most iconic addresses. The building, known for its architecture and as a residence for public figures, now houses Fifa in a space designed to be a global soccer reference point. The choice reflects Fifa’s intent to position itself in the financial and cultural heart of the U.S., facilitating access to strategic partners.
The office will not be a full administrative headquarters like the one in Zurich, Switzerland, but a representative space. It will host teams focused on communication, marketing, and event coordination, with professionals from various nationalities. The team’s diversity, according to Fifa, is essential for managing the complexity of tournaments involving clubs and national teams worldwide.
The location also boosts visibility. During the inauguration, the Club World Cup trophy was displayed in Trump Tower’s lobby, drawing attention from tourists and the press. The trophy’s exhibition symbolizes Fifa’s commitment to promoting the tournament, set to conclude at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 13, 2025.
Ties with the U.S. government
The relationship between Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump has been a focal point of Fifa’s strategy. In recent months, Infantino attended events with Trump, including visits to the White House and Mar-a-Lago in Florida. These interactions led to practical outcomes, such as the inclusion of $625 million in security funding for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S. federal budget.
Choosing Trump Tower as the office’s location reinforces this alliance. Eric Trump, present at the inauguration, highlighted the honor of hosting Fifa in the building. The decision, however, drew scrutiny from critics questioning the use of a space tied to the president for institutional purposes. Fifa maintains that the location was selected for logistical and prestige reasons, not political motives.
Preparations for the 2025 Club World Cup
The Club World Cup, running from June 14 to July 13, 2025, will be Fifa’s first major test in the U.S. before the World Cup. The expanded tournament, featuring 32 teams, will take place in 12 stadiums across 11 U.S. cities, including Miami, Los Angeles, and Seattle. The final is scheduled for MetLife Stadium, which will also host the semifinals on July 8 and 9.
The New York office will play a central role in organizing the event. Its responsibilities include:
- Managing contracts with host cities and stadiums.
- Coordinating with broadcasters and sponsors.
- Planning security and logistics for teams and fans.
- Promoting the tournament with local media.
The tournament will feature stars like Lionel Messi of Inter Miami and Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid, heightening public anticipation. However, Fifa faces challenges, such as ticket sales, with over 1 million seats unsold for the group stage, according to recent data.
2026 World Cup on the horizon
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, will be the largest in history, with 48 teams and 104 matches. The tournament will span 16 host cities, 11 in the U.S., with the final set for MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026. The New York office will be crucial for aligning operations across the three countries, particularly regarding infrastructure and security.
Fifa has already relocated over 100 employees from Zurich to the U.S., including the legal division in Miami. The New York office complements this structure, focusing on engagement with U.S. stakeholders. The organization also plans innovations, such as a Super Bowl-inspired halftime show for the World Cup final, to attract local audiences.
Logistical and infrastructure challenges
Organizing two major tournaments in succession requires meticulous planning. The Club World Cup will serve as a test event for the World Cup, allowing Fifa to identify bottlenecks in transportation, security, and hospitality. The New York office will oversee these aspects, ensuring host cities are prepared.
Challenges include adapting American football stadiums, like MetLife, for soccer and ensuring security for large-scale events. Fifa is collaborating with the FBI and local authorities, a partnership strengthened after recent security incidents at U.S. sports events.
Fifa’s history in the U.S.
Fifa’s presence in the United States is not new. Since the 1994 World Cup, the country has been a priority market. The 2024 opening of the Coral Gables office marked the transfer of the legal division from Zurich to Miami, bringing Fifa closer to North, Central, and South American associations.
The New York office is the second in the U.S. and third in the Americas, following the Toronto base focused on the 2026 World Cup. The strategy reflects Infantino’s vision of making soccer “truly global,” with the U.S. as a key growth hub.
Reaction to the Trump Tower choice
The decision to establish the office in Trump Tower sparked mixed reactions. For some, the location is logical given New York’s prominence and proximity to commercial partners. Others see it as a sign of political alignment, especially after criticism from European federations about Infantino’s ties with Trump.
Fifa argues the space was chosen for its infrastructure and visibility, denying non-operational motives. The organization noted that Trump Tower has past soccer ties, having housed figures like Chuck Blazer, a former Fifa official, though in a controversial context.
Fifa’s next steps in the U.S.
With the office’s inauguration, Fifa is ramping up preparations for the tournaments. In the coming months, the organization plans to:
- Expand Club World Cup promotion with New York events.
- Finalize sponsor agreements for the World Cup.
- Test security protocols during Club World Cup matches.
- Engage local communities to boost soccer interest.
The New York presence will also allow Fifa to tap into the U.S. market’s commercial potential, already drawing millions of fans, fueled by stars like Messi and the rise of Major League Soccer (MLS).
Soccer’s growth in the U.S. market
The U.S. has seen steady growth in soccer interest. Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami in 2023 and the MLS’s expansion have contributed to this trend. Fifa bets that the 2025 and 2026 tournaments will cement soccer as a top entertainment option, rivaling sports like basketball and American football.
The New York office will drive this process, promoting initiatives to attract new fans and investors. Fifa also plans partnerships with schools and youth clubs to build a new generation of players and supporters.
