What's happened
President Trump suggested last week he might move 2026 World Cup matches from US cities he deems unsafe, citing security concerns. FIFA officials emphasize that host city decisions are theirs, and logistical challenges make such relocations unlikely. The tournament is set for June 2026 across North America, with security and scheduling under scrutiny.
What's behind the headline?
Trump’s threats to move World Cup matches highlight the intersection of politics and international sports. While he claims safety concerns justify relocating games, FIFA’s stance underscores the logistical and contractual hurdles that make such moves improbable. The emphasis on security reflects broader political debates about urban safety and immigration, but FIFA’s assertion that the tournament’s venues are fixed indicates that the event will proceed as planned. This situation underscores how political rhetoric can threaten the stability of global sporting events, yet the underlying infrastructure and agreements strongly favor maintaining the original schedule. The real impact will be on the perception of US cities’ safety and the potential for political interference to disrupt major international events, which could set a precedent for future tournaments.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that FIFA officials, including Vice President Victor Montagliani, have dismissed President Trump’s threats, emphasizing that decisions about host cities are solely FIFA’s. AP News highlights the logistical and legal challenges of relocating matches, noting that the tournament’s venues were contracted in 2022 and any change would be complex. Both sources agree that despite political rhetoric, the tournament is unlikely to be moved, with FIFA prioritizing logistical stability. The Independent also notes that Montagliani views football as 'bigger' than political disputes, reinforcing the sport’s resilience amid US political debates. The contrasting tone between the sources underscores the tension: The Independent emphasizes FIFA’s authority and logistical constraints, while AP News details the potential complications of any move, illustrating the broader debate about politics interfering with global sports.
How we got here
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted jointly by the US, Canada, and Mexico, with 78 matches in the US. The tournament's venues and schedules were confirmed in 2022, with plans including major NFL stadiums. Trump’s recent comments about relocating matches due to safety concerns stem from political debates over immigration and crime, which have heightened tensions around the event. FIFA and regional soccer bodies have reiterated their authority over host decisions, emphasizing the logistical complexity of changing venues at this stage.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Are US Cities Worried About Hosting the World Cup?
The upcoming 2026 World Cup has sparked concerns among US cities about security and safety. With political debates and security fears making headlines, many wonder what risks are involved and how they might impact the tournament. In this page, we explore the reasons behind these worries, what officials are saying, and how political tensions are influencing international sports events today.
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Are US Cities Safe for the 2026 World Cup?
With the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted across multiple US cities, security concerns have become a hot topic. Recent comments from President Trump suggesting some cities might be unsafe have sparked debate, but FIFA officials emphasize that host city decisions are solely theirs. This page explores the security situation, political tensions, and what it means for fans and travelers heading to the tournament. Curious about how FIFA manages safety or whether political issues could impact the event? Keep reading for answers to your most pressing questions.
More on these topics
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Victor Montagliani is a Canadian businessman, soccer executive, and the president of CONCACAF. He is a member of the FIFA Council.
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FIFA is a non-profit organization which describes itself as an international governing body of association football, fútsal, beach soccer, and efootball. It is the highest governing body of football.
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Giovanni Vincenzo "Gianni" Infantino is a Swiss–Italian football administrator and the current president of FIFA. He was elected President of FIFA during the 2016 FIFA Extraordinary Congress on 26 February 2016.
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The FIFA World Cup, often simply called the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the sport's global governin