Trump’s World Cup triumph showed the world American excellence is back
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President Donald Trump wasn’t just thinking about football when he aimed to bring the FIFA World Cup back to the United States in 2018. He was thinking about the legacy; to unite a country, embrace the world, and show what American greatness looks like as we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday.
I remember the moment he gave me my main mission: “Make this the best tournament ever.” Simple but not easy. With President Trump, nothing is left unfinished. Early in his second term, he established the White House Task Force on the 2026 FIFA World Cup and made clear that it would be a whole-of-government effort. We set out to deliver not only the biggest and safest World Cup for fans, athletes and communities across America, but also the most welcoming and memorable tournament in history.
Looking back, I know only President Trump could have done this. No other leader could have set such an ambitious vision and inspired a nation to meet this challenge. His lifelong experience in hospitality and attention to detail set the standard of excellence and made this World Cup unforgettable.
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More than 6.5 million fans attended the games in 16 host cities in the United States, 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 99.7% capacity, while FIFA Fan Festivals welcomed 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 speak at the awards ceremony for the 2026 World Cup final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images)
But the numbers only tell part of the story. True success is measured in bustling city centres, thriving small businesses, cross-cultural friendships and unforgettable moments shared by millions of people.
The results are clear: no major safety incidents, a record-breaking economic impact and a seamless experience for fans and athletes.
President Trump’s focus on safety and security has 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 established a real-time information sharing system that will benefit our country long after the final whistle.
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The results are clear: no major safety incidents, a record-breaking economic impact and a seamless experience for fans and athletes. From Seattle’s Pioneer Square, where local businesses’ sales are rising up to 10 times the average, to Philadelphia’s projected $770 million economic impact, these benefits will last for years to come.
The real legacy is the talent we build. America now has stronger technology, better education, and deeper partnerships at home and abroad. We worked with Canada, Mexico and FIFA to deliver a continental show; We have proven that no country is better equipped to host an event of this scale. President Trump’s Golden Age of Sports is here, and the lessons learned will inform not only future World Cups, but every major event we host.
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It is especially meaningful that President Trump, the driving force behind our successful bid in 2018, was able to see this vision realized during his presidency. On such a big stage, few leaders get to see their ambitions come full circle. The pride he felt as he watched the world come together on American soil, and which we all shared, is something I will never forget.
It has been the honor of my life to serve as executive director of the White House Task Force on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve under President Trump during this extraordinary time for America and to help make his vision for this country a reality.
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As we look to the Olympics and America’s next chapter, let this World Cup be proof that when President Trump set an ambitious vision, America delivered on that vision. We have welcomed the world with unparalleled hospitality, world-class venues, unwavering security and confidence that has always defined this country at its best.
Americans fell in love with the World Cup, and the world fell in love with America all over again. This is the enduring legacy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the future of sport in America’s Golden Age.
