U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the formation of a White House task force to oversee preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Mexico and Canada.
Speaking from the Oval Office on Friday, March 7, Trump was joined by FIFA President Gianni Infantino when asked about potential trade disputes with Mexico and Canada affecting the tournament. Trump dismissed concerns, saying, “Tension is a good thing… it makes it much more exciting.”
To formalize the initiative, Trump signed an executive order, appointing himself as chair of the task force and calling the 2026 World Cup “the largest sporting event in history.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the tournament’s economic impact, projecting 200,000 jobs and $40 billion in revenue. He thanked Trump for prioritizing security and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, making it the largest tournament in FIFA history. Infantino likened the event to “hosting three NFL Super Bowls per day for an entire month,” a comparison that Trump called “really amazing.”