Donald Trump to Headline America Business Forum in Miami with FIFA’s Gianni Infantino Amid World Cup 2026 Preparations

In a high-profile gathering that blends politics, business, and global sports, former President Donald Trump is slated to deliver a keynote address at the America Business Forum in Miami, sharing the stage with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The event, set against the backdrop of Miami’s rising star as a host city for the 2026 World Cup, promises to spotlight the intersection of American enterprise and international soccer’s economic powerhouse status. As the Magic City braces to host 14 matches—including the pivotal bronze medal game—Trump’s appearance underscores his ongoing influence in shaping narratives around U.S. economic dominance and global partnerships.

The America Business Forum, an annual convocation of industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, has evolved into a key platform for discussing trade, innovation, and international relations. This year’s edition, scheduled for early next month at the iconic Adrienne Arsht Center, will draw over 2,000 attendees from sectors ranging from technology to hospitality. Trump’s participation, confirmed by forum organizers on Wednesday, is expected to electrify the crowd, given his track record of leveraging such events to champion ‘America First’ policies.

Gianni Infantino’s involvement adds an international flair, highlighting FIFA’s strategic push to expand soccer’s footprint in the U.S. ahead of World Cup 2026. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 104 matches across 16 host cities, with Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium poised to become a focal point. Organizers anticipate the event could generate upwards of $5 billion in economic activity for Florida alone, bolstering Trump’s message on job creation and infrastructure investment.

Trump’s Return to the Spotlight: Rallying Business Leaders on Economic Revival

Donald Trump‘s address at the America Business Forum marks a significant moment in his post-presidency activities, where he continues to position himself as a vocal advocate for American businesses navigating a post-pandemic world. Sources close to the event reveal that Trump’s speech will focus on revitalizing U.S. manufacturing and trade deals, drawing parallels to his administration’s renegotiated USMCA agreement. “President Trump has always been a champion for the American worker,” said forum co-chair Elena Rodriguez, a prominent Miami real estate developer. “His insights on global competition will resonate deeply with our audience.”

Trump’s history with high-stakes business forums dates back to his real estate days, but his political tenure amplified his role in international summits. During his presidency, he hosted events like the 2017 World Economic Forum in Davos, where he touted tax reforms that spurred a 2.9% GDP growth in 2018, according to U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data. At the America Business Forum, expect Trump to reference these achievements while critiquing current inflationary pressures, which have climbed to 3.2% as of the latest Consumer Price Index report.

The forum itself, founded in 2015 by a coalition of South Florida entrepreneurs, has grown exponentially, attracting speakers like Elon Musk and Jamie Dimon in past years. This edition’s theme, “Bridging Borders: Innovation and Opportunity,” aligns seamlessly with Trump’s worldview. Attendees, including Fortune 500 executives and startup founders, will participate in panel discussions on supply chain resilience, with Trump’s talk serving as the capstone. One insider noted, “It’s not just a speech; it’s a call to action for reinvesting in American ingenuity.”

Miami’s selection as the host city amplifies the event’s relevance. As a gateway to Latin America, the city boasts a GDP of $345 billion, driven by tourism and finance. Trump’s presence could catalyze announcements on new investments, echoing his 2019 visit where he unveiled plans for a $1 billion tech hub in the region.

Miami’s World Cup Ambitions: From Stadium Upgrades to Global Tourism Boom

Miami is no stranger to the limelight, but its role in World Cup 2026 elevates it to a premier destination for international sports diplomacy. The city will host the second-highest number of matches—14 in total at the 65,000-seat Hard Rock Stadium—including group stage thrillers, knockout rounds, and the coveted third-place playoff on July 18, 2026. FIFA’s decision to award Miami these fixtures underscores the city’s multicultural fabric, with over 70% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, per U.S. Census data.

Preparations are in full swing, with Miami-Dade County investing $100 million in infrastructure enhancements, from expanded public transit to fan zones along Biscayne Bay. “We’re transforming Miami into the soccer capital of the Americas,” declared Mayor Francis Suarez in a recent press conference. The economic ripple effects are staggering: a 2022 FIFA-commissioned study projects $230 million in direct spending from World Cup visitors to South Florida, creating 4,500 temporary jobs in hospitality and retail.

The Hard Rock Stadium, home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, has already undergone renovations worth $500 million since 2015, including a state-of-the-art roof and premium seating. For World Cup 2026, additional upgrades like enhanced broadcast facilities and sustainable energy systems will ensure FIFA’s environmental standards are met. Infantino, who visited the venue in 2023, praised its “world-class potential,” noting that the tournament’s U.S. leg could attract 5 million spectators overall.

Beyond the pitch, Miami’s business community is poised to capitalize. Local firms in event management and merchandising anticipate a surge, with projections from the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau estimating a 15% boost in hotel occupancy through 2026. Trump’s forum speech could tie into this narrative, advocating for policies that ease visa processes for international fans and investors, much like his administration’s streamlined H-1B reforms.

The synergy between the America Business Forum and World Cup preparations is palpable. Forum sessions will include workshops on sports tourism economics, featuring experts from ESPN and Deloitte, who forecast the tournament’s global TV audience at 5 billion viewers—rivaling the Olympics.

FIFA’s Infantino Joins the Fray: Soccer’s Role in U.S. Economic Diplomacy

Gianni Infantino’s appearance alongside Donald Trump at the America Business Forum represents a rare convergence of soccer governance and American politics. As FIFA President since 2016, Infantino has overseen the organization’s expansion into non-traditional markets, with the U.S. as a prime target. His speech will likely delve into how World Cup 2026 will foster cross-border investments, building on FIFA’s $4.6 billion revenue from the 2022 Qatar tournament.

Infantino’s track record includes controversial yet transformative decisions, such as the 48-team format for 2026, which expands opportunities for underdog nations. In Miami, he’ll highlight partnerships with U.S. entities like MLS, which has seen attendance double to 10 million per season since 2016. “Soccer is more than a game; it’s a bridge for economic growth,” Infantino stated in a 2023 interview with Bloomberg. At the forum, he may announce new initiatives, such as FIFA’s collaboration with American tech giants for digital ticketing platforms.

The duo’s joint platform is intriguing given their shared emphasis on nationalism in global affairs. Trump has long praised soccer’s potential, once calling it “the sport of the future” during a 2018 White House event with the U.S. Women’s National Team. Infantino, meanwhile, has navigated FIFA through geopolitical tensions, including U.S. sanctions on Russian soccer post-2022 invasion. Their dialogue could address how World Cup 2026 promotes unity amid divisions, with Miami as a neutral ground.

Economically, FIFA projects the U.S.-hosted event will inject $10 billion into the national economy, per a joint report with the U.S. Soccer Federation. This includes $2.5 billion in construction and $1.8 billion in media rights. For Miami, the bronze medal match alone could draw 60,000 fans, spilling over into local businesses and echoing the $500 million impact of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on South Africa.

Forum attendees will benefit from networking sessions where Infantino’s team discusses sponsorship opportunities. Major brands like Coca-Cola and Adidas, FIFA’s long-term partners, are ramping up U.S. campaigns, potentially creating 20,000 jobs in advertising and logistics.

Forum Highlights: Panels, Deals, and the Path to World Cup Synergies

The America Business Forum’s agenda is packed with sessions designed to unpack the opportunities arising from global events like World Cup 2026. Kicking off with a morning plenary on sustainable investments, the day transitions into targeted breakouts on Latin American trade corridors—a nod to Miami’s strategic location. One standout panel, “Scoring Big: Sports and Business in the Americas,” will feature executives from the Miami Dolphins and FIFA affiliates, dissecting how stadium developments drive urban renewal.

Trump’s keynote, scheduled for 11 a.m., will be followed by a fireside chat with Infantino, moderated by CNN’s Jake Tapper. Topics may range from tariff policies affecting sports equipment imports to the role of AI in fan engagement. Past forums have yielded tangible outcomes, such as the 2022 signing of a $300 million green energy deal between Florida utilities and European investors.

Security and logistics are top priorities, given Trump’s high-profile status. The event will employ advanced screening tech, similar to that used at Super Bowl LVI in Miami, which hosted 100,000 attendees without incident. Virtual access options will allow global participation, with live streams expected to reach 500,000 viewers via the forum’s app.

Looking ahead, the forum could serve as a launchpad for World Cup-related ventures. Organizers hint at side deals on hotel expansions and fintech solutions for ticket sales, aligning with Trump’s push for deregulation to spur growth. As Miami finalizes its bid for additional 2026 events, like fan festivals, the city’s profile soars.

Looking Ahead: How the Forum Could Shape U.S. Soccer Legacy and Trade Futures

The America Business Forum’s convergence of Donald Trump, Gianni Infantino, and Miami’s World Cup momentum signals a pivotal chapter for U.S. sports economics. Post-event, expect ripple effects including policy recommendations on immigration for skilled labor in event staffing and incentives for small businesses in tourism. Trump’s involvement might galvanize Republican-led initiatives in Congress to fund soccer infrastructure, potentially unlocking $1 billion in federal grants.

For FIFA, the forum offers a platform to solidify U.S. alliances ahead of 2026, addressing challenges like venue readiness amid supply chain disruptions. Infantino’s vision includes legacy projects, such as youth academies in underserved Miami neighborhoods, fostering long-term community ties.

Miami stands to gain immensely, with projections from PwC estimating a 20% rise in foreign direct investment by 2027, fueled by the tournament’s halo effect. As stakeholders convene, the event not only celebrates soccer’s arrival but charts a course for American business to thrive in a interconnected world. With tickets selling out rapidly, the forum embodies the excitement building toward World Cup 2026—a spectacle that could redefine Miami’s global stature.