EPISODE · Jun 11, 2026 · 34 MIN
48 Teams. 40 Days. One Old Town: Andrew Giuliani on FIFA World Cup 2026
from The People You Meet in Old Town · host Jane Khodos Beyer
Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House Task Force for FIFA World Cup 2026, sits down with host Jane Khodos Beyer to pull back the curtain on the most complex security and logistics operation in American sports history. From his days playing golf at Duke to serving in the Trump White House and running for governor of New York, Andrew's path to leading the federal effort behind a 48-team, 78-game, 40-day tournament is anything but ordinary. Andrew breaks down exactly what it takes to coordinate eight federal agencies, state and local law enforcement partners across 11 host cities, and counterparts in Mexico and Canada, all while protecting 1.6 billion viewers and making sure the world sees American exceptionalism on full display. Plus: why Old Town Alexandria was chosen as the home base for Team Croatia, how fans can still get tickets, and — because Jane and Andrew are both proud New Yorkers — who actually makes the best pizza. Plus, a lightning round on their favorite places around Old Town.00:00 World Cup Stakes Intro01:24 Meet Andrew Giuliani02:58 Security Scale Explained07:15 Task Force Structure10:05 Trilateral Host Coordination12:27 Tickets and Fan Festivals15:10 Croatia Picks Old Town17:56 Croatia in Town Impact20:23 Why Soccer Rules Globally22:31 Soccer Boom America22:47 World Cup Sparks MLS23:23 Womens Game Surge24:00 2026 World Cup Outlook24:26 New York Pizza Pivot24:51 Iconic NYC Slices25:44 West Village Pizza Tour26:49 Old Town Pizza Taste27:43 Soccer Terms Banter28:14 Old Town Lightning Round29:15 Coffee Dinner Drinks Picks31:50 Game Watching Spots32:29 Closing Thanks And Teamwork Around Old Town and BeyondCooper Mill Pizza: IG: @thecoopermillLandini Brothers: IG: @landinibrothersincSwings Coffee: IG: @swingscoffeeMia's: IG: @mias_italian_kitchenThompson Italian: IG: @thompsonitalianJosephine: IG: @josephineoldtownBarca Pier & Wine Bar: IG: @barca_alxThe Study at the Morrison House: IG: @thestudyalxAugie's: IG: @augiesbeergardenCall Your Mother Deli: IG: @callyourmotherdeli Stay ConnectedEmail us at [email protected] stay up to date with The People You Meet In Old Town, and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and a review. Instagram: @peopleyoumeet.oldtownalxThe People You Meet in Old Town AlexandriaThe People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria is a podcast that explores the people, places, and ideas that shape the historic district. Hosted by Jane Khodos Beyer, the show features wide-ranging discussions with local leaders and experts who bring practical ideas on how to preserve our heritage and build a vibrant community.© 2026 The People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria. All rights reserved.
What this episode covers
Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House Task Force for FIFA World Cup 2026, sits down with host Jane Khodos Beyer to pull back the curtain on the most complex security and logistics operation in American sports history. From his days playing golf at Duke to serving in the Trump White House and running for governor of New York, Andrew's path to leading the federal effort behind a 48-team, 78-game, 40-day tournament is anything but ordinary. Andrew breaks down exactly what it takes to coordinate eight federal agencies, state and local law enforcement partners across 11 host cities, and counterparts in Mexico and Canada, all while protecting 1.6 billion viewers and making sure the world sees American exceptionalism on full display. Plus: why Old Town Alexandria was chosen as the home base for Team Croatia, how fans can still get tickets, and — because Jane and Andrew are both proud New Yorkers — who actually makes the best pizza. Plus, a lightning round on their favorite places around Old Town.00:00 World Cup Stakes Intro01:24 Meet Andrew Giuliani02:58 Security Scale Explained07:15 Task Force Structure10:05 Trilateral Host Coordination12:27 Tickets and Fan Festivals15:10 Croatia Picks Old Town17:56 Croatia in Town Impact20:23 Why Soccer Rules Globally22:31 Soccer Boom America22:47 World Cup Sparks MLS23:23 Womens Game Surge24:00 2026 World Cup Outlook24:26 New York Pizza Pivot24:51 Iconic NYC Slices25:44 West Village Pizza Tour26:49 Old Town Pizza Taste27:43 Soccer Terms Banter28:14 Old Town Lightning Round29:15 Coffee Dinner Drinks Picks31:50 Game Watching Spots32:29 Closing Thanks And Teamwork Around Old Town and BeyondCooper Mill Pizza: IG: @thecoopermillLandini Brothers: IG: @landinibrothersincSwings Coffee: IG: @swingscoffeeMia's: IG: @mias_italian_kitchenThompson Italian: IG: @thompsonitalianJosephine: IG: @josephineoldtownBarca Pier & Wine Bar: IG: @barca_alxThe Study at the Morrison House: IG: @thestudyalxAugie's: IG: @augiesbeergardenCall Your Mother Deli: IG: @callyourmotherdeli Stay ConnectedEmail us at [email protected] stay up to date with The People You Meet In Old Town, and get all the behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating and a review. Instagram: @peopleyoumeet.oldtownalxThe People You Meet in Old Town AlexandriaThe People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria is a podcast that explores the people, places, and ideas that shape the historic district. Hosted by Jane Khodos Beyer, the show features wide-ranging discussions with local leaders and experts who bring practical ideas on how to preserve our heritage and build a vibrant community.© 2026 The People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria. All rights reserved.
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48 Teams. 40 Days. One Old Town: Andrew Giuliani on FIFA World Cup 2026
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