U.S. President Donald Trump has established a dedicated task force to oversee preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament, set to be the largest in history with an expanded format of 48 teams and 104 matches, is expected to attract millions of visitors to North America. However, the event comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions between the three host nations, a factor that Trump believes will add to the spectacle.
“I think it’s going to make it more exciting,” Trump said, referencing the ongoing trade disputes and diplomatic strains between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. “Tension’s a good thing.”
Formation of the Task Force
Trump will personally chair the World Cup task force, which is responsible for coordinating federal security efforts, infrastructure planning, and logistical preparations for the tournament. The initiative comes amid fluctuating relations with North American neighbors, as Trump has frequently threatened tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, creating economic uncertainty across the region. Despite these tensions, the World Cup remains a prestigious event, and Trump emphasized the significance of hosting it.
“It’s a great honor for our country to have it,” he said after meeting with FIFA officials. He also expressed enthusiasm about attending multiple games throughout the tournament.
Diplomatic and Economic Implications
The World Cup preparations unfold against the backdrop of Trump’s sometimes contentious relationship with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trump’s comments, including musings about Canada potentially becoming a U.S. state, have fueled nationalistic sentiments north of the border. Meanwhile, ongoing economic negotiations and trade disputes have created uncertainty regarding international relations leading up to the tournament.
Despite these issues, FIFA President Gianni Infantino reassured that the global soccer body is committed to ensuring a smooth and successful event. “The task force will ensure that each of the visitors who will travel from around the world feels safe, feels happy, and feels that we are doing something special,” Infantino stated.
Expansion and Hosting Arrangements
The 2026 World Cup will mark the first time the tournament is co-hosted by three nations and the first time the field expands to 48 teams. The competition will feature 104 matches, with the United States hosting the majority—78 games—while Mexico and Canada will each host 13. The final will take place on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Infantino likened the challenge of organizing the World Cup to holding three Super Bowls every day for a month, highlighting the enormous logistical and security demands placed on the host nations. Given the scale of the event, collaboration between the three countries is crucial despite their political differences.
Boosting Soccer’s Popularity in the U.S.
Trump also emphasized the growing popularity of soccer in the United States, where the sport has historically trailed behind football, basketball, and baseball. The World Cup presents an opportunity to elevate soccer’s profile in the country, and FIFA sees North America as a major growth market for the sport.
In a symbolic gesture, Infantino presented Trump with a personalized game ball and unveiled the trophy for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament that will serve as a precursor to the World Cup. Trump later showcased the trophy at the start of a White House summit on cryptocurrency, signaling his administration’s commitment to both the global sports and economic landscapes.
Preparing for the Olympics
The Trump administration will also face another significant sporting challenge two years after the World Cup when the 2028 Summer Olympics are held in Los Angeles. This marks the first time the U.S. has hosted the Olympics since the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City. Much like the World Cup, the Olympics will require massive security measures, infrastructure improvements, and international coordination.
Looking Ahead
Despite the geopolitical tensions, Trump remains optimistic that the 2026 World Cup will be a resounding success. He believes that the tournament’s scale and the intensity of international competition will make it one of the most memorable sporting events in history.
As North America prepares for the grand spectacle, the world will be watching not just the games on the field, but also how the three host nations navigate their complex diplomatic relationships leading up to and during the tournament. The event has the potential to serve as both a showcase for soccer’s growth in the region and a test of international cooperation in a politically charged environment.
