President Donald Trump (R) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino (C) can be seen in the pic. | AFP
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday, creating a White House Task Force to oversee preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico. The order, signed in the Oval Office alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, aims to “showcase the nation’s pride and hospitality while promoting economic growth and tourism.”
Infantino estimates the 2026 World Cup, along with the 2025 Club World Cup—also hosted in the U.S.—will generate $40 billion and create 200,000 jobs. The tournament is expected to bring 10 million tourists, making it one of the largest sporting events in history.
The U.S. is preparing to host the expanded 48-team tournament amid geopolitical tensions, as Trump’s trade disputes with Canada and Mexico continue. Asked about co-hosting the event with these nations after imposing tariffs, Trump remarked, “It makes it more exciting. Tension is a good thing.”
Infantino likened the tournament’s scale to hosting three Super Bowls daily for a month. He assured that the task force will ensure a safe and memorable experience for fans worldwide.
With 78 of the 104 matches set in the U.S., the final will take place on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Trump, enthusiastic about the event, expressed interest in attending multiple games.
Following the World Cup, the U.S. will face another major global sports event: the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, marking America’s first Olympics since 2002.
