On Friday, President Donald Trump formed a task force to prepare for the World Cup in 2026.
This will bring the global tournament to North America at a time when his on-again, off-again tariffs have strained relations across the continent.
“I think it’s going to make it more exciting,” Trump said of the World Cup, which will take place amid heated rhetoric among host nation leaders.
“Tension’s a good thing.”
The task force will oversee security and planning for the tournament, which will bring millions of visitors to the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“It’s a great honour for our country to have it,” Trump said of the World Cup after meeting with FIFA officials.
Preparations are ramping up across the continent, accompanied by tensions between the United States and its neighbors, as Trump has repeatedly threatened to impose tariffs before backing down, frightening markets and raising fears of a trade war and economic downturn.
Trump has also spoken disparagingly of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and discussed Canada becoming America’s 51st state.
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams.
Seventy-eight of the 104 matches will be played in the United States, with 13 games each in Mexico and Canada.
