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

This was not the first recent airing of grievances from Canadian fans at a sporting event. Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of tariffs against Canada and repeated calls for Canada to become the 51st state, fans at a Toronto Raptors game and Ottawa Senators game booed the American national anthem.

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.

The US president announced the creation of a White House task force to help organise the tournament yesterday.