Trump taps Andrew Giuliani to lead 2026 World Cup task force
Trump taps Andrew Giuliani to lead 2026 World Cup task force
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Trump, Carney debate annexing Canada as 51st state
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Donald Trump debated annexing Canada as 51st state during a White House visit.
WASHINGTON ― President Donald Trump named Andrew Giuliani, son of close Trump ally Rudy Giuliani, executive director of the president's task force on the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the U.S. prepares to host to the international event.
"I've known him for a long time. He's a highly competitive golfer ‒ which I mean, really good ‒ and he's also a highly competitive person," Trump said, introducing Andrew Giuliani to the post during a May 6 task force meeting at the White House featuring FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Andrew Giuliani, who worked as a White House aide during Trump's first term, lost the 2022 Republican primary for New York governor to Lee Zeldin, who went on to lose to Gov. Kathy Hochul in the general election.
Giuliani's father, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, is a longtime Trump associate who was indicted in Georgia and Arizona for his role in helping Trump try to overturn the 2020 election results. Rudy Giuliani has pleaded not guilty.
More: FIFA says World Cup, Club World Cup could bring $47B in economic impact to US
The World Cup task force, chaired by Trump with Vice President JD Vance as the vice chair, includes other members of Trump's Cabinet. The group, created by a March 7 executive order, has been tasked with assisting on the planning, organization and execution of events surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which begins in June.
The United States last hosted the World Cup in 1994. The 2026 World Cup of 48 national teams will bring 78 matches to 11 host cities in the U.S. The tournament will consist of 104 matches overall across North America, with additional games set for Canada and Mexico.
"One hundred and four games, Mr. President. One hundred and four Super Bowls in one month, " Infantino said to Trump said. "We'll have 6 billion viewers. The final alone will attract between two and three billion viewers. This is 15 times more than the Super Bowl."
More: Lionel Messi is thinking about playing in 2026 World Cup. Here's what he said.
The inaugural 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, featuring 32 soccer clubs from across the world competing in 63 matches, begins June 14 in Miami. Ten additional U.S. cities will host matches, with the finals set for July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
"These events will attract millions of passionate fans around the world, including my son," Trump said, referring to his 19-year-old son, Barron Trump. "This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase the beauty and the greatness of America, and we can't wait to welcome soccer fans from all over the globe."
Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.
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