Giuliani Leads 2026 World Cup Task Force: Surprising Presidential Appointment

President Trump has appointed Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, to lead a specialized White House task force overseeing the 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations, bringing together key governmental agencies to ensure the international tournament’s success.

Quick Takes

Andrew Giuliani will serve as Executive Director of the President’s Task Force for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, coordinating government agencies for the tournament that will be held across the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Former US Soccer Federation President Carlos Cordeiro, who was instrumental in securing the US as host, will serve as Senior Advisor to the task force.
The US will host 78 of the 104 World Cup games across 11 American cities, with the championship match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Host cities could see up to 450,000 visitors each and economic impacts of up to $480 million, with the tournament expected to boost local businesses and create jobs.
Vice President JD Vance, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and other officials are committed to ensuring the safety and security of the international event.

Presidential Appointment and Task Force Formation

President Trump announced Andrew Giuliani’s appointment as Executive Director of the President’s Task Force on the 2026 FIFA World Cup during a White House meeting. The task force, established in March, will oversee both the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup tournament. Giuliani, who previously served as a special assistant to President Trump during his first administration, brings relevant experience to the role, having played a significant part in enabling international athletes to enter the United States during the 2020 pandemic reopening.

In his announcement, Trump emphasized his confidence in Giuliani’s qualifications, noting that Carlos Cordeiro, former President of the U.S. Soccer Federation who helped secure the tournament for the United States, will serve as Senior Advisor to the task force. The initial task force meeting was attended by Vice President JD Vance, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and several U.S. government officials, signaling the administration’s commitment to successful tournament preparation.

Thank you President Trump, I am honored to serve as the Executive Director for the White House Task Force on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Led by President Trump in his first term, America secured the bid to host the 2026 World Cup and it will be an incredible opportunity to unite the… pic.twitter.com/4COm8OAGUb

— Andrew H. Giuliani (@AndrewHGiuliani) May 6, 2025

Tournament Scale and Economic Impact

The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a massive undertaking for the United States, which will host the majority of matches. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with games scheduled in eleven American cities including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle. The championship match will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, showcasing American infrastructure on the world stage.

The economic implications of hosting such a global event are substantial. Host cities could welcome approximately 450,000 visitors each and potentially see economic impacts reaching $480 million per city. Beyond the immediate tourism boost, the tournament is expected to stimulate infrastructure development and create numerous jobs across the participating regions. Additionally, the FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled from June 14 to July 13, will serve as a precursor to the World Cup, with matches held in twelve American cities.

Security and Logistics Coordination

During the White House meeting, Trump underscored the importance of ensuring a seamless experience for international visitors while showcasing American hospitality. Vice President JD Vance highlighted the non-political nature of the sporting event, emphasizing the opportunity to demonstrate American values and hospitality to the world. The administration has made security a top priority, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy committing their departments to guarantee safe and efficient tournament operations.

The task force’s comprehensive approach involves coordinating multiple federal agencies, local governments, and sports organizations to address the logistical challenges of hosting millions of international visitors. Trump’s selection of Giuliani, who has both White House experience and a background in sports (having been a collegiate golfer), signals the administration’s strategic approach to managing what will be one of the largest sporting events ever held in North America. The appointment comes as preparations intensify for the tournament that will showcase the United States on the global stage.