The task of planning the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States has become increasingly complex due to President Donald Trump’s border policies and strained relationships with co-hosts Canada and Mexico. The responsibility for coordinating the federal government’s role has been assigned to Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
According to Politico, as head of the White House’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Task Force, Andrew Giuliani, who previously served as a sports liaison during Trump’s first administration, faces significant challenges. The 39-year-old former pro golfer is currently preparing for the Club World Cup, which serves as a test run for the larger World Cup event next summer.
“You’re welcome here. If you apply early for your visa, if you qualify, then we want to have you here for the World Cup,” Giuliani stated, addressing concerns about travel restrictions. He emphasized that while the administration welcomes those coming to celebrate the World Cup, those intending to “cause trouble” would not be permitted entry.
Task force aims to streamline visa processes while maintaining security measures
The State Department has reportedly seen reduced processing times in countries previously identified as problematic during the Biden presidency. Giuliani’s task force is working to ensure the State Department has the necessary resources to process visas efficiently while maintaining national security standards.
However, tensions have already surfaced since U.S. Senator JD Vance even warned that “when the time is up, they’ll have to go home,” underscoring fears that tourists might find themselves detained if they overstay. JD Vance’s controversial comments about World Cup visitors have added more pressure to the task force’s diplomatic challenges.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Task Force, which Giuliani acknowledges should have been established three years ago, coordinates with various federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Treasury, Commerce, FBI, and DOJ. Rather than creating new departments, the task force aims to facilitate coordination between existing agencies.
Security remains a primary concern, particularly following recent incidents such as the 2024 Copa América in Miami, where ticketless fans attempted to storm Hard Rock Stadium. The task force has already conducted security briefings with nine of the eleven host cities for the Club World Cup, focusing on external security, pitch protection, and pyrotechnics management.
Another complicating factor is Donald Trump’s chaotic messaging tanking international tourism, which have sparked debate over how they’ll be enforced during major international events like the World Cup.
The challenge extends beyond security concerns, as the task force must manage the logistics for approximately 350,000 credentialed personnel, ticket holders, and potential fans. A working group has been established between FIFA, the State Department, and the White House task force to address immediate issues for the upcoming Club World Cup. Federal funding of $600 million has been allocated in the reconciliation bill to support host cities’ security needs for next year’s tournament.
