President Trump takes charge of 2026 World Cup preparations by signing an Executive Order establishing a White House task force with himself at the helm. Could this major international sporting event become another Trump-led American triumph during our nation’s 250th anniversary?
At a glance:
• President Trump established a White House task force to oversee preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada
• Trump will Chair the task force himself with Vice President JD Vance serving as Vice Chair
• The U.S. will host 78 of the 104 matches, with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
• FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the economic impact as “three Super Bowls a day for a month”
• The task force includes top officials from multiple government departments and will be active through December 31, 2026
Trump Takes Command of World Cup Preparations
President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing a White House task force for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, positioning himself at the forefront of preparations for the massive sporting event. The task force will coordinate federal efforts for both the upcoming Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup, which coincides with America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
Vice President JD Vance will serve as Vice Chair of the task force, with key government officials including the Secretaries of State, Treasury, Defense, Commerce, Transportation, and Homeland Security joining the effort. The Department of Homeland Security will provide administrative support and funding for the task force’s operations through 2026.
Economic Impact and International Relations
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, whom Trump described as “my friend for a long time” and “the king of soccer,” emphasized the tournament’s potential economic benefits during the White House announcement. Infantino claimed the event would generate a $40 billion economic impact and create approximately 200,000 jobs across hosting cities.
“It’s a great honor for our country to have it,” Trump said during the signing ceremony. The expanded World Cup format will feature 48 teams playing 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with America hosting the vast majority of games.
The FIFA World Cup is coming to America! ⚽️🇺🇸
Moments ago, President Trump signed an Executive Order Establishing a White House Task Force for the 2026 FIFA Games! pic.twitter.com/xgSggFAieo
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) March 7, 2025
Security Coordination and Logistics
The Executive Order requires all agencies involved to submit detailed reports on their planning activities by June 1, 2025. Host cities across America are seeking federal funding for security measures, highlighting the significant coordination required for an event of this scale.
Infantino expressed confidence in the American-led preparations, stating that under Trump’s leadership, everyone “feels safe, feels happy and feels that we are doing something special.”
Trump’s involvement in the World Cup preparations dates back to the 2018 bidding process when the United States secured the right to host 75% of the matches. The tournament will serve as a centerpiece of America’s semiquincentennial celebrations and provide significant economic opportunities for host cities.
