FIFA World Cup 2026 Task Force

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The FIFA World Cup 2026 Task Force is a United States government task force created to coordinate federal efforts in support of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Contents

Background

The 2026 World Cups are expected to draw millions of tourists to the United States, Canada and Mexico. The cups are expected to have 48 teams playing 104 matches, with seventy-eight in the United States, and thirteen each in Mexico and Canada. [1] The task force was announced on March 7, 2025 to oversee the logistics and security for the whole event over three countries. [2]

Structure

The task force is chaired by US President Donald Trump, with Vice President JD Vance serving as its Vice Chair. [3] In May 2025, Trump announced that Andrew Giuliani the son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, would lead the task force, with Carlos Cordeiro a senior advisor to FIFA also serving on the task force. [4]

A congressional task force, led by Congressman McCaul and Congressman Green,[ clarification needed ] works in parallel to support the White House Task Force through legislative means and oversight. [5] The task force collaborates with multiple federal agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the Department of State. [6]

Events

The first meeting of the task force was held in public on May 6, 2025, where Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the World Cups would be the "biggest, safest, and most extraordinary soccer tournament in history while contributing almost $50 billion in economic output. While Infantino welcomed all visitors stating that "America will welcome the world," numerous comments were made by members such as Vance, that highlighted the Trump administrations aggressive deportation policies. Concerns were also raised about the ability for the administration to process and approve the large number of travel visas for foreign visitors and fans, which were brushed off by Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem. [7] [8]

In October 2025 it was announced that the Task Force was being designated $500 million USD by the Trump administration to support state and local governments to develop an anti-drone security strategy ahead of the tournaments. While currently only federal agencies can disrupt or intercept drones the laws are being reviewed by the administration and Justice Department. [9]

Response

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, expressed support for the task force and that it would cause each visitor to feel safe, happy and that they are creating something special. [1]

References

  1. 1 2 Cooper, Jonathan J. (2025-03-07). "Trump will lead task force preparing for 2026 World Cup". AP News. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  2. ↑ "Trump creates 2026 FIFA World Cup task force, says trade war will make tournament "more exciting" - CBS Philadelphia". www.cbsnews.com. 2025-03-07. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  3. ↑ "Establishing The White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026". The White House. 2025-03-07. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
  4. ↑ Samuels, Brett (May 6, 2025). "Trump taps Andrew Giuliani to lead task force on 2026 World Cup". The Hill. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  5. ↑ "Vice Chair McCaul, Chairman Green Announce Bipartisan Task Force on Enhancing National Security for Upcoming FIFA 2026, 2028 Olympics, US 250th Anniversary | Congressman Michael McCaul". mccaul.house.gov. 2025-05-06. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
  6. ↑ "Vice Chair McCaul, Chairman Green Announce Bipartisan Task Force on Enhancing National Security for Upcoming FIFA 2026, 2028 Olympics, US 250th Anniversary | Congressman Michael McCaul". mccaul.house.gov. 2025-05-06. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
  7. ↑ Abnos, Alexander (2025-05-06). "'They'll have to go home': Trump's World Cup taskforce dismisses fears but warns visitors". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  8. ↑ Feldscher, Kyle (2025-05-06). "Trump says there's no tension between the US and World Cup co-hosts Canada and Mexico amid preparations for 2026 tournament". CNN. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  9. ↑ Cai, Sophia (2025-10-13). "Trump administration to launch $500M drone program ahead of World Cup". POLITICO. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
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