US President Donald Trump has sparked a new wave of controversy ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, claiming he could move matches from cities he deems “unsafe.” The tournament, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams, with the US hosting 78 of the 104 fixtures, including the final.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said:
“It will be safe for the World Cup. If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move it into a different city.”
The 11 US host cities currently scheduled to stage matches are:
Atlanta
Boston
Dallas
Houston
Kansas City
Los Angeles
Miami
New York/New Jersey
Philadelphia
San Francisco
Seattle
Trump specifically highlighted Democratic-run cities like Seattle and San Francisco, each set to host six games, as well as Los Angeles, which will host eight matches and the 2028 Olympics.
“If any city we think is going to be even a little bit dangerous for the World Cup… we won’t allow it to go. We’ll move it around a little bit,” he added.
While Trump chairs the World Cup Taskforce and has a close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, it remains unclear whether he actually has the authority to relocate matches. Any changes would face major logistical hurdles, especially with venues, security, and travel already in place.
Trump has repeatedly commented on the World Cup:
In May, he suggested allowing Russia to play could be an “incentive” to end the war in Ukraine, despite Russia being banned from international competition.
In March, he claimed political tensions between the US and co-hosts Canada and Mexico would “benefit the tournament,” following the imposition of tariffs on both neighbors.
Trump has made tackling crime a key priority. Recent actions include deploying National Guard troops and federal officers to Washington DC, Los Angeles, Memphis, and Chicago. He has cited safety concerns as central to his potential decisions regarding World Cup host cities.
The group stage draw for the 2026 World Cup is scheduled for 5 December in Washington DC, with the tournament running from 11 June to 19 July.
Barcelona are reportedly gearing up for a massive summer transfer window, with the Catalan giants…
A Serie A clash between Napoli and Atalanta took a shocking turn off the pitch…
Italian cricket is facing a storm just days after its historic debut at the T20…
Football met fashion in spectacular style as Eberechi Eze swapped the North London Derby spotlight…
Marcus Rashford’s revival story in Spain looks set for a fairytale ending. After months of…
Football has once again been pulled into the global conversation on racism — and this…