The Portuguese Antonio Guterres is nearing the end of his second term as UN Secretary-General.Image: keystone
July 24, 2026, 07:46July 24, 2026, 07:46
In the style of a TV debate, the six candidates to succeed UN Secretary-General António Guterres underlined their ambitions for the most prestigious post on the world diplomatic stage. The candidates answered questions at the UN General Assembly about the United Nations’ biggest challenges, including the Security Council deadlock, financial problems and the growing number of international crises. This week, however, an unconfirmed report about a possible candidacy by FIFA President Gianni Infantino was the main topic of discussion at the UN.
Four of the six candidates for Secretary General debate in the General Assembly Hall.Image: keystone
The candidates nominated so far are the Argentine head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, Senegal’s former president Macky Sall, the Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan, Guyana’s UN ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, Chile’s first female president Michelle Bachelet and María Fernanda Espinosa, the former president of the UN General Assembly from Ecuador. The majority of experts do not yet see a clear favorite. Additional candidates can also join at any time.
Is Trump sending a football official into the race?
A report in the US tabloid “New York Post” said this week that US President Donald Trump could send the president of the world football association, Gianni Infantino, with whom he has good relations, into the race. “Infantino’s name has been appearing for some time in discussions about possible outsider candidates for the office of UN Secretary-General – although often more ironically than seriously,” said UN expert Richard Gowan. Even if the Swiss were to be nominated by the USA, Gowan has doubts that he could survive as a candidate: “He is now so closely associated with the US President that China and Russia in particular would question his impartiality.”
Probably more of a joke: Donald Trump (r.) is said to want to send FIFA President Gianni Infantino (l.) into the race.Image: keystone
The Security Council, as the most powerful UN body, initially decides on the personnel. Its permanent members China, USA, Russia, France and Great Britain have the right to veto, as with other votes, and can prevent candidates by objecting. If this does not happen, the UN General Assembly must then confirm the candidate, which is usually considered a formality.
The Portuguese Guterres is leaving office at the end of the year and cannot run again after two terms in office. At the end of the month, the Security Council plans to meet for the first time for a secret test vote. (nil/sda/dpa)