Trump proposes relocating 2026 World Cup matches from cities he deems unsafe

Trump Floats Moving 2026 World Cup Matches From “Unsafe” U.S. Cities

Remarks From the Oval Office

On Thursday, President Donald Trump suggested he might shift matches for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup away from American cities he believes could pose safety risks. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump promised the tournament would be “very secure,” but added that he would personally step in if host cities were not up to standard.

When pressed about cities like Seattle and San Francisco — both scheduled to host six games each and known for pushing back on his administration’s immigration agenda — Trump said he would ensure safety regardless of local opposition. “They’re run by radical left lunatics who don’t know what they’re doing,” he remarked.

Cities in Question

Seattle’s Lumen Field is slated to hold four group-stage matches, including the U.S. team’s second group game on June 19, as well as two knockout-stage fixtures. Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, near San Francisco, is set to stage five group matches plus a round of 32 contest.

Other U.S. host cities include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Miami, New York/New Jersey, and Philadelphia. Beyond the U.S., Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara will host matches in Mexico, while Toronto and Vancouver will do so in Canada.

Logistical Challenges

The idea of changing venues at this stage appears difficult, given that FIFA locked in the match schedule earlier this year. Each of the 11 U.S. host cities has already begun preparing for the complex security and logistical requirements of the tournament.

Trump does not formally hold the power to reassign host cities. However, he maintains a close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who technically has wide-ranging authority under FIFA contracts. Those agreements limit cities’ ability to challenge FIFA legally if matches were reassigned.

Funding and Politics

Earlier this year, the U.S. government committed $625 million toward World Cup security. That funding will be distributed unevenly among the host cities, depending on demonstrated needs and reimbursement requests. Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup task force, confirmed the process but did not rule out political influence.

As chair of the task force, Trump could theoretically use control of the funds as leverage, though it remains unclear if that is his intention. FIFA did not immediately comment on his remarks.

Broader Context

Trump’s statements come ahead of the World Cup draw, scheduled for December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The president also used Thursday’s conversation to highlight crime statistics, claiming that the capital currently experiences “no crime” — a claim that contrasts with his earlier decision to deploy the National Guard to D.C. in August.

He also mentioned Chicago, Memphis, and other U.S. cities where federal involvement could increase. “It will be safe for the World Cup. If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move into a different city,” he said, adding that the same principle could apply to the 2028 Olympics.

Closing Statement

Trump concluded by insisting that if any city poses even “a little bit” of danger to fans or players, matches would be shifted elsewhere:
“If I think it’s not safe, we’re going to move it out of that city. We won’t allow it.”