Unexpected Appointment: Who Will Lead the 2026 World Cup Task Force?

President Trump has appointed Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, to lead the White House task force for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing experienced leadership to one of the world’s largest sporting events.

Quick Takes

Andrew Giuliani will serve as Executive Director of the President’s Task Force coordinating the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Former US Soccer Federation President Carlos Cordeiro joins as Senior Advisor to the task force.
The US will host 78 of 104 World Cup games across 11 major American cities.
Vice President JD Vance and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem are supporting the task force’s security and logistics planning.
Host cities could see up to 450,000 visitors with potential economic impacts reaching $480 million.

Presidential Appointment and Leadership

President Donald Trump officially named Andrew Giuliani as Executive Director of the White House task force overseeing the 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations. The task force, established in March 2025, will coordinate governmental efforts for both the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Giuliani brings significant experience to the role, having previously served as a special assistant to President Trump during his first administration.

Trump highlighted Giuliani’s qualifications during the announcement, specifically noting his previous work in sports administration. “A key role in creating the system that enabled athletes from around the World to re-enter the United States during the Reopening of America in 2020,” Trump stated, expressing confidence in Giuliani’s leadership capabilities. Alongside Giuliani, Carlos Cordeiro, who played an instrumental role in securing the United States as a tournament host, will serve as Senior Advisor to the task force.

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

Task Force Structure and High-Level Support

The task force held its inaugural meeting at the White House, attended by numerous high-ranking officials signaling the administration’s commitment to the event’s success. Vice President JD Vance, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy were all present, demonstrating the whole-of-government approach being taken. Vance emphasized the non-partisan nature of the event, viewing it as an opportunity to showcase American hospitality on the world stage.

Security concerns are being prioritized with Secretary Noem committing her department’s resources to ensuring visitor safety. The task force will coordinate across multiple federal agencies to address the complex logistics of hosting millions of international visitors during the month-long tournament. This coordination includes streamlining entry procedures, transportation planning, and security protocols that balance safety and hospitality for the global visitors expected to attend.

Economic Impact and Tournament Details

The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a significant economic opportunity for the United States. Host cities are projected to welcome up to 450,000 visitors each, with potential economic impacts reaching $480 million per location. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with the United States hosting 78 of the total 104 matches across 11 major cities including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle.

The championship final is scheduled to be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Additionally, the FIFA Club World Cup will take place from June 14 to July 13, 2025, with matches in twelve American cities, serving as a precursor to the larger World Cup tournament the following year. This dual-tournament hosting represents the largest concentration of international soccer events ever held in the United States, with local businesses, tourism sectors, and infrastructure development expected to benefit substantially from the influx of international visitors and global media attention.