On Tuesday, President Donald Trump appointed Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, to serve as the executive director for his administration`s World Cup task force. Former U.S. Soccer president Carlos Cordeiro was also named a special advisor to the group.
Giuliani previously served as a special assistant and associate director in the Trump administration. Cordeiro led U.S. Soccer when the U.S., Canada, and Mexico secured the hosting rights for the 2026 World Cup in April 2017. He resigned from U.S. Soccer in 2020 amidst the equal pay dispute with the women`s national team but has been a senior advisor at FIFA since 2021.
This task force, chaired by Trump himself and announced via executive order in March, includes Vice President J.D. Vance as vice chair, along with several cabinet members.
According to Trump during a White House meeting on Tuesday, the group`s objective is to “help plan the biggest, safest and most extraordinary soccer tournament in history.” FIFA president Gianni Infantino, also at the meeting, projected that 10 million visitors are expected in the U.S. for the event, which will be the first to feature 48 teams.
During the same meeting, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated plans were in place to ensure smooth processing of “documentation and travel documents.” However, other officials present cautioned visitors against overstaying their visas.
“If you`re coming to see some soccer … go on a road trip. See America,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy commented. “Don`t overstay your visa. Don`t stay too long.”
