US President Donald Trump has officially designated the 2026 FIFA World Cup a top national priority, establishing a dedicated task force that he will personally oversee. In the presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump signed an executive decree in the Oval Office on Friday, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to the successful organization of the tournament.
“We’re going to set up a task force, a very important task force, with the White House – and we’re going to do it for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which, as you know, is a big event,” Trump stated. The White House later clarified that while Trump will lead the initiative, an executive director will be appointed to handle day-to-day operations.
The task force will collaborate with various ministries and authorities to facilitate the planning and execution of the World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026. It will also assist in organizing the upcoming Club World Cup, set to take place from June 15 to July 13 this year.
FIFA President Infantino, who presented Trump with a jersey bearing the number 47, the official match ball, and the prestigious winner’s trophy, emphasized the immense economic and cultural impact of the two upcoming tournaments. He highlighted that these events would generate numerous job opportunities in the United States while bringing “joy and happiness to the whole world, and that is definitely priceless.”
Addressing Trump, who holds the distinction of being both the 45th and 47th President of the United States, Infantino remarked, “So thank you, Mr. President, for setting up this task force, because it is important that everyone who comes to America feels safe and welcome.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will feature 48 nations for the first time in tournament history. Infantino likened the scale of the event to “hosting three Super Bowls a day for an entire month.” Trump, 78, expressed his amazement at this comparison, stating, “It’s really amazing when you think about it. I’ve never heard it expressed like that.”
Trump further commented that trade tensions with co-hosts Mexico and Canada could actually benefit the tournament: “Tensions are a good thing. They make it much more exciting.” His remarks underscore his belief that the event will be “the greatest sporting event in history.”
