Trump Names Giuliani Director as U.S. Prepares for 2026 FIFA World Cup, Expects Two Million Visitors

U.S. President Donald Trump convened the first meeting of the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026, joined by Vice President JD Vance and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The task force will oversee preparations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, hosted in the United States from June 15 to July 13, and the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will take place next summer. The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 national teams and 78 matches in the United States, and is expected to generate tens of billions of dollars in economic activity and create thousands of jobs for American workers. Trump stated that this will be the first time in over 30 years that a U.S. president will host the World Cup. Trump assured that fans from around the world, including those who have participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, will be welcome during the tournaments, despite concerns over U.S. immigration and border policies. Vice President Vance said visitors from nearly 100 countries are expected and will be required to leave the country after the event concludes. FIFA President Infantino expressed full confidence in the Trump administration's ability to deliver a successful tournament. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated that the Club World Cup 2025 will serve as a test for travel and visa processes ahead of the World Cup, with the U.S. expecting to receive around two million foreign visitors for the 2026 tournament. Recent projections indicate a 5.1% drop in international arrivals to the U.S. in 2025. Andrew Giuliani has been appointed Executive Director of the White House Task Force on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Trump also noted positive cooperation with co-host nations Canada and Mexico, despite recent diplomatic tensions.