Former President Donald Trump has appointed Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, to serve as the executive director of his administration`s World Cup task force. The announcement, made Tuesday, also named Carlos Cordeiro, a former president of U.S. Soccer, as a special advisor to the group.
Andrew Giuliani previously worked in the Trump White House as a special assistant during his first term and served as the associate director of the Office of Public Liaison. Carlos Cordeiro was at the helm of U.S. Soccer when FIFA awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 World Cup to the joint bid by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in April 2017. Cordeiro resigned from U.S. Soccer in 2020 amid the dispute over equal pay with the women`s national team but has held a position as a senior advisor at FIFA since 2021.
The task force, which Trump himself will chair, was originally announced through an executive order issued in March. Vice President J.D. Vance will serve as the vice chair. Several members of Trump`s cabinet are also participating in the task force.
During a task force meeting held at the White House on Tuesday, Trump stated that the group`s objective is to “`help plan the biggest, safest and most extraordinary soccer tournament in history.`” FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who was also present at the meeting, estimated that approximately 10 million individuals would travel to the U.S. to attend the tournament, which will feature 48 participating teams for the first time in its history.
At the same meeting, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem indicated plans are in place to ensure visitors` documentation and travel processes “`will go smoothly.`” However, a cautionary note was issued by other administration officials regarding tourists potentially overstaying their visas.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy commented on this, advising visitors, “`If you`re coming to see some soccer … go on a road trip. See America. Don’t overstay your visa. Don’t stay too long.`”
