Security/ FIFA World Cup 2026/ Trump threatens to relocate World Cup matches over safety concerns
President Donald Trump has stated he will move 2026 FIFA World Cup matches away from any host cities he deems unsafe. The tournament, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will see 78 of its 104 games played across eleven American cities.
While FIFA oversees the event’s organization, Trump cited his authority as chair of the World Cup taskforce and his relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move it,” he told reporters, specifically mentioning Democratic-led cities like Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
The announcement aligns with Trump’s law-and-order agenda, following recent deployments of National Guard troops to several cities.
However, the feasibility of relocating matches at this late stage presents significant logistical challenges for FIFA.
This is not Trump’s first controversial comment regarding the World Cup. He previously suggested readmitting Russia currently banned from international football; as an “incentive” for peace in Ukraine and claimed political tensions with co-hosts Canada and Mexico would be “good” for the tournament. The draw for the group stage is scheduled for December.
