“Tension Is a Good Thing” – Trump on USA, Canada, Mexico Trade and World Cup 2026

Last updated on March 9th, 2025 at 04:14 pm

U.S. President Donald Trump hinted that the growing trade tensions between the United States, Canada, and Mexico will impact on the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Speaking at the Oval Office alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump announced the formation of a special task force to oversee preparations for the tournament. He will personally chair the task force which will coordinate with federal agencies to ensure smooth planning and execution.

This announcement comes after the U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods earlier this week. However the administration later granted a one-month reprieve allowing goods that comply with the North American trade pact to be exempt until April 2.

When asked about the impact of these tensions on the 2026 World Cup, Trump said, “I think it’s going to make it more exciting. Tension is a good thing; it makes it much more exciting.”

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place from June 11 to July 19. It will showcase an expanded format with 104 matches instead of 64 from the old format. This will include an additional knockout round, making it the largest World Cup in history.

With political and economic uncertainties surrounding the tournament’s three host nations, stay connected for recent updates!