FIFA President Gianni Infantino made a surprise appearance at former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, where he was warmly welcomed by Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi.
His attendance at the high-level diplomatic gathering highlights FIFA’s expanding role in global affairs, with the organization increasingly positioning itself as a force for humanitarian and social engagement beyond the realm of football.
Infantino’s participation reflects an emerging vision within FIFA – to use football as an instrument of peace, dialogue, and post-conflict recovery in war-torn regions.
The FIFA boss has long advocated for the sport’s ability to bridge divides, inspire hope, and create opportunities for young people affected by conflict and instability.
The Sharm El-Sheikh summit, spearheaded by Trump and focused on developing a roadmap for Gaza’s reconstruction and long-term peace, featured discussions that reportedly included youth empowerment and sports-led rehabilitation projects.
Insiders say Infantino’s input centered on how football infrastructure and development programs could contribute to rebuilding social cohesion and community resilience in Gaza.
For FIFA, such participation extends its diplomatic footprint and strengthens its reputation as a global player in peacebuilding and development.
The organization has, in recent years, partnered with several international institutions to promote inclusion, education, and reconciliation through sport.
Infantino’s presence alongside global and regional leaders at the summit marks yet another chapter in his ongoing mission to redefine football’s global impact – not merely as a game, but as a universal language capable of fostering unity, understanding, and hope across divided societies.
