The FIFA World Cup has always been more than a football tournament — it is a celebration of culture, unity and the power of sport to bring the world together. And now, with the final whistle blown and the trophy lifted, the 2026 FIFA World Cup in America will be remembered as one of the greatest in the tournament's storied history.
For nearly two years, the success behind the scenes was driven by a clear vision, strong leadership and unprecedented coordination across government, sporting and security organisations — a feat now hailed as a triumph of American execution on the global stage.
At the centre of this historic effort was the White House FIFA World Cup Task Force, led by Executive Director Andrew Giuliani and supported by his Deputy Executive Director Sean Kalin and a team of talented professionals who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to deliver a tournament the world will not forget.
Their mission was ambitious: to help deliver a World Cup experience that welcomed millions of fans from around the globe, showcased America's hospitality and leaves a lasting legacy for generations to come. By every measure, they succeeded.
A Vision Delivered on American Excellence
Andrew Giuliani's leadership has been widely recognised as the driving force behind the Task Force's preparation and flawless execution. His commitment to delivering President Donald Trump's vision for a world-class tournament was matched by the dedication of the entire team working behind the scenes — a team that, as the world has now seen, delivered in full.
Working alongside Giuliani, Sean Kalin and the wider Task Force played a pivotal role in bringing together federal agencies, stakeholders and partners to ensure planning, organisation and execution remained at the highest level throughout the tournament's month-long spectacle.
Leadership at the Helm
The scale of the challenge was enormous. Hosting a global event of this magnitude required detailed planning, collaboration and leadership — from security and infrastructure to fan experience and international coordination. That it came off without a hitch is a testament to the preparation that preceded it.
President Trump's vision for the World Cup was centred around showcasing American excellence, welcoming the world and creating a tournament that reflects the nation's ambition and spirit. The tournament's resounding success has vindicated that vision.
Behind every great sporting moment is a team of people committed to preparation, teamwork and delivering something extraordinary. The 2026 World Cup proved that in abundance.
The Scale of the Challenge, Met and Mastered
The dedication shown by Andrew Giuliani, Sean Kalin and the entire White House FIFA Task Force represents a significant achievement — one that, with the tournament now complete, stands as a defining success of American event delivery.
Their efforts serve as a reminder that behind every great sporting moment is a team of people committed to preparation, teamwork and delivering something extraordinary.
A Legacy for Generations
More than 7.5 million fans attended matches across 16 host cities in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, nearly doubling the previous attendance record. There were 11 host cities in the United States alone. During this World Cup, stadiums were filled to 99.8% capacity, while FIFA Fan Festivals welcomed another 9.7 million visitors. Fans from more than 150 countries experienced American hospitality firsthand, and the tournament generated more than 25 billion video views worldwide.
Yet the numbers tell only part of the story. The real success was measured in packed downtowns, thriving small businesses, friendships formed across cultures and unforgettable moments shared by millions.
President Trump's focus on safety and security paid off. We deployed federal coordination teams, supported local law enforcement with $625 million in funding and invested another $500 million in counter-drone technology. We worked closely with state and local officials, trained together, and built a real-time information-sharing system that will benefit our country long after the final whistle.
Let this World Cup stand as proof that when President Trump sets an ambitious vision, America delivers. We welcomed the world with unmatched hospitality, world-class venues, unwavering security and the confidence that has always defined this nation at its best.
Americans fell in love with the World Cup, and the world fell in love with America again. That is the enduring legacy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the future of sports in America's Golden Age.
