President Donald Trump has set up a special task force to help plan for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in North America. The tournament is expected to bring millions of visitors to the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Speaking about the event, Trump said he believes hosting the World Cup during a time of political and trade tensions will make it even more exciting. “Tension’s a good thing,” he remarked.
The task force will focus on security and event planning to ensure the tournament runs smoothly. Trump called it a “great honor” for the US to host the World Cup and met with FIFA officials to discuss preparations.
While preparations move forward, tensions between the US and its neighbors remain high. Trump has repeatedly threatened tariffs on Canada and Mexico, causing uncertainty in markets. He has also made controversial remarks about Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and even joked about Canada becoming America’s 51st state.
The 2026 World Cup will feature an expanded format with 48 teams. Most of the matches—78 out of 104—will take place in the United States, while Mexico and Canada will each host 13 games.
Despite political tensions, the tournament is expected to be a major global event, attracting soccer fans from around the world.