Darin LaHood, IL
Linked statement
“The 2026 World Cup was a huge success. Millions of fans came, it created jobs, and it brought billions of dollars to our economy. Government workers and police kept the entire event safe.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the resounding success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Over 39 days, the United States alongside Canada and Mexico, hosted 104 matches, or the equivalent of 104 Super Bowls, making it the largest sporting event in the history of our country. More than 6.8 million fans attended matches, another 7.7 million visited fan festivals, and the U.S. welcomed visitors from around the globe with open arms. Beyond the elite level of play on the pitch, the tournament generated tens of billions of dollars in economic activity and supported thousands of American jobs. I was proud to be a part of the White House FIFA task force under the leadership of Executive Director Andrew Giuliani and President Trump, where we worked with more than 50 Federal agencies in an unprecedented effort to ensure a safe, secure, and exciting event for fans and spectators. I thank our law enforcement officers, first responders, and public servants who worked tirelessly to make sure the tournament was safe, secure, and ensured the World Cup finished without a single major security incident. During America’s 250th anniversary, our Nation’s hospitality, its strength, and its ability to bring the world together were on full display. We once again proved that when the world comes to America, we can deliver.”
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the resounding success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Over 39 days, the United States alongside Canada and Mexico, hosted 104 matches, or the equivalent of 104 Super Bowls, making it the largest sporting event in the history of our country. More than 6.8 million fans attended matches, another 7.7 million visited fan festivals, and the U.S. welcomed visitors from around the globe with open arms. Beyond the elite level of play on the pitch, the tournament generated tens of billions of dollars in economic activity and supported thousands of American jobs. I was proud to be a part of the White House FIFA task force under the leadership of Executive Director Andrew Giuliani and President Trump, where we worked with more than 50 Federal agencies in an unprecedented effort to ensure a safe, secure, and exciting event for fans and spectators. I thank our law enforcement officers, first responders, and public servants who worked tirelessly to make sure the tournament was safe, secure, and ensured the World Cup finished without a single major security incident. During America’s 250th anniversary, our Nation’s hospitality, its strength, and its ability to bring the world together were on full display. We once again proved that when the world comes to America, we can deliver.