White House FIFA World Cup Task Force
Coverage of White House FIFA World Cup Task Force in the Nexus archive.
- Inside the White House push to get Folarin Balogun back on the field
The White House, led by Andrew Giuliani, lobbied FIFA to overturn Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension after a red card during the U.S. team's World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA's Disciplinary Committee suspended the punishment, allowing Balogun to play in the crucial match against Belgium. President Donald Trump praised FIFA for reversing the decision, while UEFA and the Royal Belgian Football Association are considering counteraction.
- Trump holds the golden tickets
FIFA President Gianni Infantino gifted Donald Trump 10 World Cup final tickets, which Trump valued at $15,000. The White House anticipates distributing these tickets to family members and aides, with Andrew Giuliani managing inquiries. Similar tickets were previously given for the FIFA Club World Cup.
- Trump will skip US match
President Trump will not attend the United States' match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will lead the government delegation to the game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Trump has not attended any World Cup matches yet but is expected at the July 19 final in New Jersey. Other Cabinet officials have represented the U.S. at prior matches.
- Kennedy and Wright cheer on US
The U.S. delegation in Seattle includes HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and White House FIFA World Cup Task Force czar Andrew Giuliani. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy attended the U.S.'s first match against Paraguay.