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When President Donald Trump looked to bring the FIFA World Cup back to the United States in 2018, he wasn’t just thinking about soccer. He was thinking about legacy—about uniting the country, embracing the world, and showing what American beauty looks like as we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday.
I remember when he gave me my main goal: “Make the best tournament ever.” It’s simple, but not easy. With President Trump, nothing is done in the middle. At the start of his second term, he established the White House Task Force on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, specifying that this would be a government-wide effort. We are determined to deliver not only the biggest and safest World Cup, but also the most well-received and memorable tournament in history for fans, athletes, and communities across America.
Looking back, I know only President Trump could have pulled this off. No other leader could have set such a vision and inspired the nation to rise up and face this challenge. His lifelong experience in hospitality and his attention to detail set the standard for excellence and made this world cup unforgettable.
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More than 6.5 million fans attended the games in 16 cities across the US, Mexico and Canada, nearly doubling the previous attendance record. In the United States alone there were 11 cities where it was hosted. During this World Cup, stadiums were filled to 99.7%, and FIFA Fans Festivals welcomed another 7.7 million visitors. Fans from more than 150 countries have experienced American hospitality firsthand, and the tournament has generated more than 20 billion video views worldwide.
Spain midfielder Rodri, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President Donald Trump speak during the awards ceremony for the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images)
However the numbers tell only half the story. True success is measured in bustling cities, thriving small businesses, friendships built across cultures, and unforgettable moments shared by millions.
The results speak for themselves: no major safety incidents, a record-breaking economic impact, and a seamless experience for fans and athletes.
President Trump’s focus on safety and security paid off. We deployed federal teams, supported local law enforcement with $625 million in funding, and invested another $500 million in counter-drone technology. We worked closely with state and local officials, trained together, and developed a real-time information sharing system that will benefit our country long after the final call.
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The results speak for themselves: no major safety incidents, a record-breaking economic impact, and a seamless experience for fans and athletes. From Seattle’s Pioneer Square, where local businesses saw sales increase up to 10 times their average, to Philadelphia’s $770 million in projected economic impact, the benefits will last for years to come.
The real legacy is the skill we have built. America now has stronger technology, better training, and deeper relationships at home and abroad. We worked with Canada, Mexico, and FIFA to deliver the continental showpiece—proving that no country is better equipped to host an event of this caliber. President Trump’s Golden Age of Sports is upon us, and the lessons learned will inform not only future World Cups, but also every major event we host.
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It is very important that President Trump, who spearheaded our successful petition in 2018, was able to see this vision come to fruition during his presidency. Few leaders will be able to witness their aspirations come full circle on this huge stage. The pride he had—and that we all shared—as we watched the world come together on American soil is something I will never forget.
Serving as executive director of the White House Task Force on the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been the honor of a lifetime. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve under President Trump and help make his vision for this country a reality during this extraordinary time in America.
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As we look ahead to the Olympics and America’s next chapter, let this world cup stand as proof that when President Trump sets an ambitious vision, America makes it happen. We have welcomed the world with unparalleled hospitality, world-class facilities, unwavering security, and self-confidence that has always defined this nation at its best.
Americans love the World Cup, the world loves America again. That is the lasting legacy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the future of sports in America’s Golden Age.
