Establishing The White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026

March 7, 2025

Presidential Actions

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Action Summary

Purpose: Leverage the FIFA World Cup 2026 as a platform to showcase U.S. pride and hospitality, boost economic growth and tourism, and mark the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Task Force Establishment: Creation of the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the President as Chair and the Vice President as Vice Chair.
Task Force Structure:
- An Executive Director, designated by the Chair, to manage daily operations and report through the Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Implementation.
- Regular meetings convened by the Chair or a designated Task Force member to guide agenda and operations.
Membership: Inclusion of key officials such as the Secretaries of State, Treasury, Defense, Commerce, Transportation, Homeland Security; the Attorney General; various Presidential Assistants; the FBI Director; and additional designated executive department heads.
Coordination & Reporting: Task Force to work with executive agencies for event planning and execution, with required agency reports on World Cup planning submitted by June 1, 2025.
Administrative Provisions:
- The Task Force will be housed within the Department of Homeland Security, which will provide necessary funding and support.
- The Task Force will terminate on December 31, 2026, unless extended by the President.
General Provisions: Ensures that the order does not impair existing executive authority, is subject to applicable law and appropriations, and does not create enforceable rights against the U.S. government.

Risks & Considerations

The establishment of the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 indicates a significant federal focus on the event, which could lead to increased governmental and public attention on related activities. This may present opportunities for Vanderbilt University to engage in research or partnerships related to sports management, tourism, and economic impact studies.
There is a potential for increased demand for expertise in areas such as international relations, security, and logistics, given the involvement of multiple high-level government departments. Vanderbilt could leverage its academic strengths in these areas to contribute to discussions or provide consultancy services.
The focus on economic growth and tourism through sport may lead to increased funding opportunities for research in these fields. Vanderbilt could explore grants or partnerships with government agencies involved in the Task Force.
As the Task Force is housed within the Department of Homeland Security, there may be heightened security measures and protocols that could impact university events or collaborations related to the World Cup.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Sports Management Program could see increased interest and opportunities for collaboration with government agencies and private sector partners involved in the World Cup preparations.
The Department of Political Science may find opportunities to engage in research or discussions related to the political and international relations aspects of hosting a global event.
Vanderbilt’s Center for Transportation and Logistics might explore partnerships or research initiatives focused on the logistics and transportation challenges associated with the World Cup.
The Office of Community Engagement could play a role in fostering local community involvement and engagement with the World Cup activities.

Financial Impact

The emphasis on economic growth through the World Cup could lead to increased funding opportunities for research and development in related fields. Vanderbilt may benefit from pursuing grants or partnerships with agencies involved in the Task Force.
There may be potential for increased revenue through partnerships, sponsorships, or events related to the World Cup, particularly in areas such as sports management, tourism, and hospitality.
Vanderbilt could experience changes in its funding landscape if federal resources are reallocated to support World Cup-related initiatives, necessitating adjustments in funding strategies.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks and opportunities, particularly in terms of potential collaborations and funding opportunities related to the World Cup.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should engage with the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 to explore potential collaborations and opportunities for involvement in the event. This could include offering expertise in logistics, hospitality, or event management, which could enhance the university’s visibility and reputation on a national and international stage.
The Department of Economics should conduct research on the economic impact of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States. This research can provide valuable insights into potential economic benefits and challenges, which can be shared with policymakers and stakeholders to influence decision-making processes.
Vanderbilt’s Athletics Department should consider developing programs or events that align with the FIFA World Cup 2026, such as hosting soccer clinics, tournaments, or cultural exchange programs. These initiatives could attract international attention and foster community engagement.
The School of Engineering could explore opportunities to contribute to the technological and infrastructural needs of the FIFA World Cup 2026. By offering innovative solutions or research collaborations, the school can position itself as a leader in sports technology and infrastructure development.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management to develop case studies or courses focused on the management and logistics of large-scale international events like the FIFA World Cup. This could enhance the school’s curriculum and attract students interested in sports management.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on international collaboration by establishing partnerships with universities and organizations involved in the FIFA World Cup 2026. These partnerships could lead to joint research projects, student exchanges, and collaborative events, enhancing Vanderbilt’s global network and influence.
The emphasis on promoting economic growth and tourism through the FIFA World Cup 2026 offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Tourism and Hospitality Management to engage in research and consultancy projects. By providing expertise and recommendations, the center can influence how tourism strategies are developed and implemented.
By engaging with the broader sports and tourism community, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national conversation on the impact of major sporting events. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on the implications of the FIFA World Cup 2026 can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative thought and practice in sports and tourism.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents some adjustments needed to processes or procedures for Vanderbilt’s programs to capitalize on opportunities related to the FIFA World Cup 2026.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.4

Timeline for Implementation

June 1, 2025: Agencies must submit their planning reports to the Executive Director by this date.
December 31, 2026: The Task Force will terminate on this date unless extended by the President.

Relevance Score: 3

Impacted Government Organizations

The White House: Oversees the Task Force, with the President and Vice President serving as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, coordinating all related activities.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Housed the Task Force and provides the necessary administrative support and funding.
Department of State: Represented by the Secretary of State as a member of the Task Force to assist in international coordination efforts.
Department of the Treasury: Its Secretary is a Task Force member, contributing to financial and economic planning.
Department of Defense: Involved via the Secretary of Defense to ensure national security considerations for the event.
Department of Justice (DOJ): Represented by the Attorney General and the FBI Director, playing roles in legal and security oversight.
Department of Commerce: Participating through its Secretary to support economic growth and tourism strategies.
Department of Transportation: Its Secretary is included in the Task Force, aiding in planning and infrastructure coordination.

Relevance Score: 3 (Multiple key federal agencies and White House offices are involved in the orchestration of the FIFA World Cup 2026, impacting 6-10 agencies.)

Responsible Officials

The President – Serves as the Chair of the Task Force, oversees its operations, and designates the Executive Director.
The Vice President – Acts as the Vice Chair of the Task Force, supporting the President’s directives.
Executive Director of the Task Force – Designated by the Chair to administer and execute the day-to-day operations and report through the Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Implementation.
Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Implementation – Assists in the administration and reporting functions of the Task Force.
Task Force Members – Includes high-ranking officials such as the Secretary of State; Secretary of the Treasury; Secretary of Defense; Attorney General; Secretary of Commerce; Secretary of Transportation; Secretary of Homeland Security; Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs; Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff; Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor; Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and other agency heads designated by the Chair or Vice Chair.
Department of Homeland Security – Provides administrative support and funding for the Task Force as permitted by law.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives impact top-level White House leadership, Cabinet members, and agency heads.)