Trump Threatens to Relocate 2026 World Cup Matches to Different Cities
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating that matches could be relocated to different host cities if security concerns arise.
Speaking at a press briefing, Trump said: “I assume the tournament will be held safely. But if I believe it won’t be, we will move the games to another city.” He added that similar precautions could apply to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, noting, “If we think any city is even slightly unsafe for the World Cup or the Olympics, we won’t allow it.”
The 2026 World Cup — set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — is expected to include matches in major U.S. cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. These cities, traditionally Democratic strongholds and political rivals of Trump, have been frequent targets of his criticism over crime and public safety.
In recent months, Trump has repeatedly deployed the National Guard to several of these cities, citing law enforcement needs. His latest comments come as part of a broader narrative framing urban crime as a national threat — now extending to concerns about the safety of global sporting events.
It remains unclear whether a sitting U.S. president — even one heading a governmental task force for tournament preparation — has the legal authority to unilaterally override FIFA’s selection of host cities. Existing contracts, infrastructure investments, and international logistics would make such changes extremely difficult.
Nevertheless, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has maintained public confidence in the U.S. as a host nation, stating that he has “full trust” in the American organizers ahead of the tournament.
