Andrew Giuliani Heads U.S. 2026 World Cup Strategy Team

Person in suit holding a microphone speaking indoors

President Trump appoints Andrew Giuliani to lead the 2026 FIFA World Cup Task Force, coordinating efforts across government agencies to ensure a successful global sporting event on American soil.

Key Takeaways

Andrew Giuliani has been appointed as Executive Director of the President’s Task Force for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Carlos Cordeiro serving as Senior Advisor.
The U.S. will host 78 of the 104 World Cup games across 11 American cities, with the championship game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The tournament is expected to bring up to 450,000 visitors to host cities with a potential economic impact of up to $480 million per location.
Vice President JD Vance, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy are committed to ensuring safety and seamless transportation for the event.

Giuliani Appointed to Lead World Cup Preparations

President Donald Trump has named Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, as Executive Director of the White House task force overseeing preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The appointment was announced during a White House meeting with FIFA officials and government representatives. Giuliani, who previously served as a special assistant to President Trump during his first term, will coordinate efforts across multiple federal agencies to ensure the tournament’s success when it arrives in North America.

The task force, established in March, will oversee preparations for both the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, which takes place from June 14 to July 13, 2025. In his new role, Giuliani will work with 11 American host cities preparing for what will be the largest World Cup in history, with the tournament expanding to 48 teams. Carlos Cordeiro, former President of the U.S. Soccer Federation who played a crucial role in securing the bid, 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

Presidential Vision for American Hospitality

During the task force’s inaugural meeting at the White House, President Trump emphasized the importance of showcasing American hospitality on the world stage. The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with the U.S. hosting the majority of matches, including the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with games played in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle.

The President highlighted Giuliani’s previous experience in sports administration,” he played 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,” noted Trump. This experience, according to Trump, makes Giuliani well-suited to handle the logistics of welcoming international teams and fans to American soil for the world’s most-watched sporting event.

Economic Impact and Security Measures

The economic impact of hosting World Cup matches is expected to be substantial for participating cities. According to reports, host cities could welcome up to 450,000 visitors and see an economic boost of approximately $480 million. Beyond immediate tourism benefits, the tournament will also drive infrastructure development and job creation as cities prepare to welcome the global spotlight. The task force aims to maximize these economic opportunities while ensuring a smooth experience for visitors.

Security concerns are being addressed at the highest levels of government. During the task force meeting, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem committed to implementing comprehensive security measures to protect both participants and spectators. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy outlined plans to ensure efficient travel between venues across the country. Vice President JD Vance emphasized the non-partisan nature of the event, stating that the World Cup represents an opportunity to showcase American hospitality regardless of political affiliation.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the White House meeting and expressed confidence in the United States’ ability to host a successful tournament. With 48 teams participating and 104 matches played across North America, the 2026 World Cup will be the largest in the tournament’s history. The task force’s mandate is to ensure that the event reflects the best of American organizational capabilities while providing a safe, enjoyable experience for millions of fans from around the world.