United States President Donald Trump has declared that he will move matches scheduled for the 2026 FIFA World Cup away from American cities he deems unsafe, creating fresh uncertainty around the staging of the tournament just months before its kick-off. His comments, made from the Oval Office, have raised political and logistical questions about the control of tournament venues, while putting a spotlight on security concerns in host cities.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first in history to feature 48 teams and 104 matches. The United States is set to stage 78 of those matches, including the final, while Canada and Mexico will share the remaining fixtures. Eleven American cities have already been confirmed as hosts: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle. Preparations in these cities are well advanced, with stadiums undergoing upgrades and local authorities finalizing security and hospitality arrangements.
But Trump, stressing safety as his top priority, said no city would be allowed to host games if he considers it a potential security risk. “It will be safe for the World Cup. If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move it into a different city,” the president said. He specifically singled out Democratic-run cities such as Seattle and San Francisco, both scheduled to host six games, as well as Los Angeles, which is set to stage eight matches and later 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.
Clash with FIFA Authority
The president’s remarks raise critical questions about governance and authority. FIFA, world football’s governing body, retains sole responsibility for the organisation of the World Cup, including the selection of host cities. Venue changes at this stage would be unprecedented and extremely complicated.
Major challenges would include stadium readiness, existing ticket allocations, broadcasting logistics, hotel reservations, and local infrastructure planning. FIFA’s contracts with host cities and local organizing committees also make venue alterations legally complex. Experts warn that moving matches could spark disputes between city governments, FIFA, and the U.S. federal government.
Despite this, Trump may wield some influence. He currently chairs the U.S. World Cup taskforce, a high-level body coordinating tournament preparations, and maintains a close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This dynamic could give him leverage, even if ultimate decision-making lies with FIFA.
Political Undertones
The controversy underscores how politics is increasingly shaping the build-up to the tournament. Trump’s targeting of Democratic-led cities echoes his longstanding criticism of liberal urban governments, which he often accuses of poor crime control and weak public safety measures.
Seattle and San Francisco, for example, have faced political attacks from Trump in the past over issues such as homelessness, drug use, and policing. By casting doubt on their suitability as host cities, Trump appears to be intertwining domestic political rivalries with the world’s biggest sporting event.
Critics argue that the president’s statements are more about politics than security. “This looks less like a serious policy position and more like a way of putting pressure on cities that don’t align with his politics,” said one sports governance analyst. Others, however, point out that security is a legitimate concern at an event expected to draw millions of fans from around the world.
A Tournament of Unprecedented Scale
The 2026 World Cup is set to be the largest sporting event ever staged in North America. With an expanded format, the competition will feature more teams, more matches, and more host cities than any previous edition. For the United States, the tournament represents a major opportunity to showcase its sporting infrastructure, hospitality, and global influence.
Billions of dollars have already been invested in stadium renovations, transport networks, and accommodation facilities. Cities like Dallas and Atlanta are preparing to host blockbuster matches, while New York/New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium has been chosen for the final. Canada and Mexico, meanwhile, will contribute venues in cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Mexico City.
Security planning has been central to preparations. U.S. federal agencies, local police departments, and international security experts have been working for years to develop strategies to safeguard fans, players, and officials. While large-scale events inevitably carry risks, authorities insist that the World Cup is on track to be delivered safely.
Uncertainty for Fans and Organisers
Trump’s comments have nonetheless injected an element of unpredictability. For fans who have already purchased tickets or made travel arrangements, the possibility of venue changes raises concerns about financial losses and logistical chaos. For broadcasters and sponsors, any alteration in the match schedule could affect contracts worth billions of dollars.
FIFA has not yet issued an official response to Trump’s remarks. However, insiders suggest the governing body will likely seek to reassure stakeholders that the tournament remains on course. “The last thing FIFA wants is instability. The World Cup is about certainty, not confusion,” said a former FIFA official.
Looking Ahead
With less than a year to go before the opening match, the focus will now be on whether Trump’s threat was a warning shot or a genuine plan. His close relationship with Infantino may give him a platform to press for influence, but FIFA’s legal framework and global standing mean the organization will be reluctant to yield to political pressure.
As the world’s eyes turn toward North America, the success of the 2026 World Cup will depend not only on the quality of football but also on the ability of organizers to deliver a secure, stable, and smoothly-run event. Trump’s intervention has added an extra layer of drama, but whether it translates into real changes remains to be seen.
What is certain is that the intersection of politics, sport, and security will continue to shape the road to 2026. For now, fans, players, and host cities can only wait to see whether the president’s words become policy—or remain part of the political theatre surrounding one of the world’s most-watched spectacles.
