NEWNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
When President Donald Trump set out to bring the FIFA World Cup back to the United States in 2018, he wasn’t just thinking about soccer. I was thinking about legacy: about uniting a country, welcoming the world, and showing what American excellence looks like as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary.
I remember the moment when he gave me my main mission: “Make it the best tournament of all time.” Simple, but not easy. Under President Trump, nothing is ever done by halves. Early in his second term, he created the White House Task Force on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making clear that it would be a government-wide effort. We set out to deliver not only the largest, safest World Cup, but also the most welcoming and memorable tournament in history for fans, athletes and communities across the United States.
Looking back, I know only President Trump could have accomplished this. No other leader could have set such an ambitious vision and inspired a nation to rise to the challenge. Their lifelong experience in hospitality and attention to detail set the standard for excellence and made this World Cup unforgettable.
A GERMAN WORLD CUP FAN BREAKS INTO TEARS AFTER BEING IMPRESSED BY THE KINDNESS OF AMERICANS
More than 6.5 million fans attended games in 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada, nearly doubling the previous attendance record. In the United States alone there were 11 host cities. During this World Cup, stadiums were filled to 99.7% capacity, while FIFA Fan Festivals welcomed another 7.7 million visitors. Fans from more than 150 countries experienced American hospitality firsthand and the tournament generated more than 20 billion video views worldwide.
Spanish midfielder Rodri, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President Donald Trump talk during the awards ceremony for the 2026 World Cup final match between Spain and Argentina at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images)
However, the numbers tell only part of the story. True success was measured in crowded urban centers, thriving small businesses, friendships formed across cultures, and unforgettable moments shared by millions.
The results speak for themselves: no major safety incidents, an unprecedented economic impact and a perfect experience for fans and athletes.
President Trump’s focus on security paid off. We deployed federal coordination teams, supported local authorities 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.
FEDS CHARGE FOUR AS WORLD CUP DRONE CRACKDOWN SURPASSES 400 INCURSIONS IN US HOST CITIES NATIONWIDE
The results speak for themselves: no major safety incidents, an unprecedented economic impact and a perfect experience for fans and athletes. From Seattle’s Pioneer Square, where local businesses saw sales increase by up to 10 times their average, to the $770 million projected economic impact in Philadelphia, the benefits will last for years to come.
The true legacy is the capacity we build. The United States now has stronger technology, better training, and deeper partnerships at home and abroad. We worked with Canada, Mexico and FIFA to deliver a continental spectacle, proving that no country is better equipped to host an event of this scale. President Trump’s Golden Era of Sports is here, and the lessons learned will inform not only future World Cups, but every major event we host.
CLICK HERE TO REVIEW MORE FROM FOX NEWS
It is especially significant that President Trump, who was the driving force behind our successful candidacy in 2018, was able to see this vision come to fruition during his presidency. Few leaders can witness their ambitions come full circle on such a grand stage. The pride he felt (and that we all share) in seeing the world come together on American soil is something I will never forget.
Serving as executive director of the White House Task Force on the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been the honor of my life. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve under President Trump and help make his vision for this country a reality during this extraordinary time for America.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
As we look toward the Olympics and America’s next chapter, let this World Cup be proof that when President Trump sets an ambitious vision, America delivers. We welcomed the world with unparalleled hospitality, world-class venues, unwavering security and the trust that has always defined this nation at its finest.
Americans fell in love with the World Cup and the world fell in love with America again. That is the lasting legacy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the future of sports in America’s Golden Age.
