Reflecting on the 2026 FIFA World Cup
When President Donald Trump aimed to bring the FIFA World Cup back to the U.S. in 2018, it was about more than just soccer—he envisioned a legacy, a chance to unite the country, and to showcase American excellence as we mark our 250th anniversary.
I recall his directive: “make it the best tournament ever.” It sounds simple, but honestly, it was anything but. Trump’s approach is never half-hearted. Early in his second term, he established the White House Task Force on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, indicating this was going to be a comprehensive government initiative. Our goal? To ensure that the World Cup was not just the biggest and safest— but also the most welcoming and memorable for fans, athletes, and communities across the nation.
Looking back, it’s clear that only Trump could have pulled this off. No other leader has managed to foster such a grand vision and motivate the populace to meet that challenge. His extensive background in hospitality and meticulous attention to detail raised the bar and made this World Cup truly unforgettable.
More than 6.5 million fans flocked to games across 16 host cities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, which nearly doubled the previous record for attendance. Eleven of those host cities were in the United States. During the tournament, stadiums saw a staggering 99.7% capacity, and the FIFA Fan Festival drew in an extra 7.7 million visitors. Fans from over 150 countries experienced American hospitality firsthand, leading to more than 20 billion views of tournament-related content worldwide.
But numbers are just one part of the picture. The real success lay in bustling downtown areas, thriving small businesses, cross-cultural friendships, and the shared unforgettable moments of millions.
The results speak for themselves. There were no major security incidents, record economic impact, and a seamless experience for fans and athletes.
Trump’s emphasis on safety undoubtedly contributed to our success. We deployed a federal coordination team, funneled $625 million into supporting local law enforcement, and invested another $500 million in counter-drone technology. Collaborating with state and local officials, we trained consistently and established a real-time information-sharing system that will serve the nation well beyond the tournament.
Our achievements are evident everywhere, from Seattle’s Pioneer Square—where local businesses saw sales skyrocket to ten times the average—to Philadelphia, where the projected economic impact hits $770 million. The benefits of this event will resonate for years.
The legacy we’re building is about the capabilities we’ve developed. America now possesses improved technology, enhanced training, and more robust partnerships both domestically and internationally. Working alongside Canada, Mexico, and FIFA, we showcased that no country is better suited for hosting such a large-scale event. The era of sports under the Trump presidency is taking shape, and the lessons learned will pave the way for not just future World Cups but for every major event we organize.
It’s particularly poignant that President Trump, who was instrumental in securing the bid in 2018, witnessed this vision come to life during his tenure. Not many leaders have the chance to see their grand ambitions realized in such a spectacular way. The pride he felt—along with the pride we shared—while watching the world gather on American soil is something I will always cherish.
Serving as the Executive Director of the White House Task Force on the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been the honor of my life. I’m thankful for the chance to work under President Trump and help bring his vision for our country to fruition at this significant time in American history.
Looking ahead to the next chapter for the Olympics and America, this World Cup stands as proof that when President Trump sets an ambitious goal, America will come through. We extended unmatched hospitality to the world, offered top-tier venues, ensured unwavering safety, and embodied the confidence that keeps our country strong.
Americans embraced the World Cup, and in turn, the world rediscovered its love for America. This is the lasting legacy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the promising future of the sport as we embark on America’s Golden Age.
