• Fifa president focused on success of 2026 World Cup
• Defends decision to give 2034 event to Saudi Arabia

Gianni Infantino has defended his relationship with Donald Trump, saying proximity to the US president is “absolutely crucial” to the success of the 2026 World Cup.

Fifa’s president also defended the decision to award Saudi Arabia the World Cup in 2034 in rare remarks to the media while attending the International Football Association Board (Ifab) AGM in Belfast.