U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday dismissed concerns that trade disputes with Mexico and Canada could affect the 2026 FIFA World Cup, instead suggesting that tensions between the tournament’s co-hosts would heighten excitement.
Speaking in the Oval Office alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump announced the formation of a White House task force to support preparations for the event.
“Oh, I think it’s going to make it more exciting,” Trump said when asked about the potential impact of U.S. trade tensions with its co-hosts. “Tension is a good thing … it makes it much more exciting.”
The president formalized the task force’s creation by signing an executive order, calling the World Cup the “largest sporting event in history.” He emphasized the U.S. government’s commitment to its successful organization.
“We’re going to be establishing a task force, a very important task force — White House — and that’s on the FIFA World Cup of 2026 which, as you know, is a big event,” Trump stated.
Infantino highlighted the tournament’s economic significance, noting that both the 2026 World Cup and the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. would generate 200,000 jobs and contribute $40 billion to the economy.
“And more than that, we will give joy and happiness to the entire world, and this is priceless, definitely,” Infantino said.
Expressing gratitude for the task force, Infantino underscored the importance of ensuring a welcoming environment for visitors.
“So thank you, Mr. President, for setting up this task force, because it is important that everyone that comes to America feels safe, feels welcome, and that’s why it’s important that the government puts together this White House Task Force,” he said.
Infantino also noted the scale of the 2026 tournament, which will feature an expanded 48-team format. He compared the logistical challenge to hosting three NFL Super Bowls daily for a month.
“That’s really amazing when you think of it,” Trump remarked. “I’ve never heard that expressed.”
