On Friday, President Donald Trump announced the formation of a task force dedicated to the preparatory efforts for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. This global sporting event is set to take place across North America, with the U.S., Canada, and Mexico as the host nations, amid heightened trade tensions among these countries.

Task Force Objectives and Leadership

Chaired by Trump himself, the newly created task force will be responsible for overseeing federal security measures and logistical planning for the tournament. This large-scale event is anticipated to attract millions of tourists to North America.

“It’s a great honor for our country to have it,” Trump commented during a meeting with FIFA officials. He expressed his intention to attend several games throughout the tournament.

Event Overview and Significance

The 2026 World Cup will introduce an expanded format featuring 48 teams competing in a total of 104 matches. This will mark the first occurrence of the World Cup being jointly hosted by three nations. The United States will host 78 of the matches, while Canada and Mexico will each host 13 games. The grand finale is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Addressing Safety and Logistics

FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of creating a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors from around the world. “We are here to create and make the best show on the planet ever,” he stated, reflecting the monumental challenge ahead in terms of security and logistics.

Future Sporting Events and Challenges

The preparations for the World Cup come as the Trump administration faces additional challenges, notably the 2028 Summer Olympics set to be held in California, the first Olympics on U.S. soil since 2002. These two major events represent significant logistical and security challenges for the administration.

As soccer continues to grow in popularity in the U.S., the 2026 World Cup provides an opportunity for the sport to expand its reach and influence in North America.