President Trump has signed an executive order establishing a White House task force to focus on the FIFA World Cup 2026 that is set to be hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Mr. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance will serve as chair and vice chair of the task force, respectively. An executive director will also be chosen, according to the order.
The World Cup will be held between June 11 and July 19, and the U.S. host cities include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and New York/New Jersey.
“It’s like three Super Bowls a day for a month,” Mr. Trump said in the Oval Office with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
He touted the accomplishment of getting the U.S. to have several host cities. The White House estimates that the U.S. will see up to 450,000 visitors, and a “potential net economic impact of up to $480 million.”
Mr. Infantino said it’s a “great achievement” to bring the World Cup to the U.S. and thanked Mr. Trump for the task force.
“It is important that everyone that comes to America feels safe, is welcome, and that’s why it’s important that the government puts together this White House Task Force chaired by the president himself,” Mr. Infantino said.
The executive order says the event will be “the largest sporting event in history.”
“This important event, taking place during the momentous occasion of the 250th anniversary of our country, presents an opportunity to showcase the Nation’s pride and hospitality while promoting economic growth and tourism through sport,” the order says.
The job of the task force will be to assist in the planning, organization and execution of World Cup events, according to the order.
“This order underscores President Trump’s commitment to showcasing national pride, hospitality, and economic opportunity through sports tourism,” the fact sheet says.
