Trump Raises Safety Concerns Ahead of World Cup
US President Donald Trump has announced that he may move matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup away from cities he believes are unsafe. The tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to feature 48 teams and 104 matches — with 78 games played in the US, including the final.
Host Cities Under Review
The 11 US host cities include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle. Trump specifically mentioned Democratic-led cities such as Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, raising doubts about their ability to guarantee safety.
Authority and FIFA’s Role
FIFA, not the US government, has the final say in organizing the tournament and selecting host venues. It remains unclear whether Trump has the authority to unilaterally shift matches, but his close ties with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his role as head of the World Cup taskforce could influence decisions.
Crime and Political Agenda
Trump has made tackling crime a central part of his political platform. He has previously deployed National Guard troops in several cities, including Washington DC and Los Angeles, and has hinted at future troop deployments in Chicago and Memphis. Critics argue that his tough-on-crime approach is as much about politics as it is about security.
Beyond Football: Politics at Play
This is not the first time Trump has linked politics to the World Cup. Earlier this year, he suggested Russia’s participation could be used as leverage to end the war in Ukraine, despite FIFA’s ban on Russia since 2022. He also argued that tensions with co-hosts Canada and Mexico would make the tournament "more exciting."