President Donald Trump on Thursday suggested he may strip certain US cities of their 2026 FIFA World Cup hosting rights if they are deemed security risks.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump stressed that while he expects the tournament to be “safe,” his administration will not hesitate to relocate matches from host venues considered “even a little bit dangerous.”
The United States is co-hosting the expanded 48-team tournament with Mexico and Canada, but the bulk of the games are scheduled to take place across American cities, including Democratic strongholds like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle.
“It will be safe for the World Cup,” Trump said. “If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move it into a different city.”
Security and Politics
Trump’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions with Democratic-run states, where his administration has deployed National Guard troops this year over the objections of local leaders.
San Francisco and Seattle are set to host six matches each, while Los Angeles is scheduled to stage eight. The President, however, hinted he would not hesitate to make adjustments, citing crime figures in cities such as Chicago, even though Chicago is not a World Cup host.
“It’s actually a very fair question,” Trump told reporters. “If I think it’s not safe, we’re going to move it out of that city,” he added.
Trump also referenced the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, noting that similar safety considerations would apply.
Task Force Oversight
Earlier this year, Trump appointed himself chairman of a White House task force overseeing the 2026 World Cup, though the tournament is formally organized by FIFA.
He has promised fans a “seamless” experience, citing his close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who in turn has expressed “full and entire” confidence in the Trump administration’s ability to deliver a secure and successful event.
What you should know
President Trump has tied the 2026 World Cup to his broader security agenda, raising the prospect of moving matches away from cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle if deemed unsafe.
His self-appointed leadership of the World Cup task force underscores his direct role in shaping preparations for the tournament.
