The White House announced Tuesday that Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, has been appointed executive director of the Trump administration`s task force dedicated to the upcoming World Cup. Former U.S. Soccer president Carlos Cordeiro was also named as a special advisor to the group.
Andrew Giuliani previously held roles as a special assistant and associate director within the Trump White House during the first term. Carlos Cordeiro was the president of U.S. Soccer in April 2017 when FIFA awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 World Cup to a joint bid from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He resigned from U.S. Soccer in 2020 during the federation`s dispute over equal pay with the women`s national team, but he has served as a senior advisor at FIFA since 2021.
The task force, which Trump himself will chair, was initially established by an executive order in March. Vice President J.D. Vance is designated as the vice chair, and several members of Trump`s cabinet are also expected to be part of the task force.
President Trump articulated the group`s mission during a White House meeting on Tuesday, stating it is to “help plan the biggest, safest and most extraordinary soccer tournament in history.” FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who attended the meeting, estimated that the 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams for the first time, could attract as many as 10 million visitors to the United States.
During the Tuesday session, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem indicated that the administration plans to manage attendees` “documentation and travel documents,” ensuring the process “will go smoothly.” However, other officials within the administration expressed caution regarding visitors potentially overstaying their visas.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy encouraged visitors, saying, “If you`re coming to see some soccer… go on a road trip. See America.” He added a clear reminder: “Don`t overstay your visa. Don`t stay too long.”
