Due to safety concerns, Trump has threatened to move the 2026 World Cup matches.
Just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, US President Donald Trump has expressed uncertainty about the tournament’s hosting by stating that he will shift matches away from any American locations he deems unsafe.
In the 48-team event, which will also be co-hosted by Canada and Mexico, the United States will host 78 of the 104 matches. Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle are among the eleven US cities that have been confirmed as locations. The final will also be held in the US.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump insisted safety would be paramount. “It will be safe for the World Cup. If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move it into a different city,” he said. He singled out Democratic-run cities such as Seattle and San Francisco, both due to stage six matches, as well as Los Angeles, which is scheduled to host eight fixtures and the 2028 Olympic Games.
“If any city we think is going to be even a little bit dangerous for the World Cup, or for the Olympics, but for the World Cup in particular, because they’re playing in so many cities, we won’t allow it to go. We’ll move it around a little bit,” Trump added.
Whether the president has the power to impose such reforms is still up for debate. The tournament’s organization and host city selection are entirely under the purview of FIFA, the body that oversees world football. At this point, changing locations would provide significant logistical difficulties, such as stadium preparation, tickets, lodging, and broadcasting plans.
Nonetheless, Trump is presently the leader of the World Cup taskforce and has a tight relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, which may allow him some control over tournament scheduling.
The remarks highlight the political undertones of the competition, which is expected to be the biggest sporting event ever staged in North America. With just under a year to go before the opening match, questions now remain over whether Trump’s threat could reshape the tournament’s schedule.
