The White House announced Tuesday the appointment of Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, as the executive director for the administration`s task force focused on the upcoming World Cup. Additionally, former U.S. Soccer president Carlos Cordeiro will join the task force as a special advisor.
Andrew Giuliani previously held roles as a special assistant to President Trump during his initial term and served as an associate director within the Office of Public Liaison. Carlos Cordeiro was at the helm of U.S. Soccer when the bid from the United States, Canada, and Mexico was selected to host the 2026 World Cup in April 2017. Cordeiro resigned from U.S. Soccer in 2020 amidst a legal battle over equal pay with the women`s national team, but has since served as a senior advisor at FIFA from 2021.
This task force, initially established by an executive order issued in March, is chaired by President Trump. Vice President J.D. Vance acts as the vice chair, and the group also includes several members of Trump`s cabinet. President Trump stated during a Tuesday meeting at the White House that the task force`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 the tournament, which will feature 48 participating teams for the first time, is expected to attract approximately 10 million visitors to the U.S.
During the meeting, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem indicated that plans are in place to ensure the smooth processing of visitors` documentation and travel. However, other administration officials issued a warning regarding tourists potentially overstaying their visas. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy commented, “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.”
Dominic Ashworth