WASHINGTON: Political and economic tensions between the United States and its 2026 World Cup co-hosts Canada and Mexico will make the tournament more exciting, US President Donald Trump said after signing an executive order to create a task force for the event.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that trade tensions with Mexico and Canada would be a boost for the 2026 World Cup

President Donald Trump’s desultory trade war with Canada and Mexico could make things politically awkward when the three countries co-host the FIFA World Cup next year.

(Reuters) - Political and economic tensions between the United States and its 2026 World Cup co-hosts Canada and Mexico will make the tournament more exciting, U.S. President Donald Trump said after signing an executive order to create a task force for the event.

U.S. President Donald Trump created a task force Friday to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, which will bring the globe's premier soccer tournament to North America at a time when his on-again, off-again tariffs have ratcheted up tensions across the continent.

The United States has implemented new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, marking a significant escalation in its trade policies. The measures, announced by President Donald Trump, have led to responses from the affected countries and fluctuations in financial markets.

President Donald Trump has delayed imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico after market concerns led to a significant blowback. However, he confirmed that new tariffs would take effect on April 2 and would be "reciprocal in nature.