Trump Threatens to Pull World Cup from US Cities Over Safety Concerns

President Donald Trump has threatened to relocate 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. He warned that games could be moved away from American cities he deems unsafe. The comments were made to reporters in the Oval Office.

This intervention places the upcoming tournament at the center of a political debate. The World Cup is scheduled to be held across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Targeting Cities with Democratic Leadership

Trump specifically cited cities run by what he called “radical left lunatics.” He mentioned San Francisco and Seattle as examples. The president did not provide specific evidence of security threats related to the event.

He asserted that federal authorities would ensure safety. “If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move it into a different city,” Trump stated. This claim extends his administration’s focus on crime in Democratic-led urban areas.

According to Reuters, the cities of Memphis and Chicago were also referenced. However, neither city is actually a host venue for the tournament. Chicago withdrew from the hosting process earlier this year.

Jurisdictional Limits and FIFA Relations

The president’s authority to unilaterally change host cities is legally unclear. Hosting agreements were signed directly between FIFA and the individual host cities. The federal government provided a broader guarantee back in 2017.

Despite this, Trump’s influence may stem from his relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The two have been seen together at several high-profile football events. This partnership could potentially sway FIFA’s decisions behind the scenes.

Of the eleven U.S. host cities, only two have Republican mayors. The vast majority are led by Democrats. The situation creates a complex political backdrop for the world’s largest sporting event.

The 2026 World Cup faces new uncertainty as political rhetoric escalates. The final decision on host venues remains with FIFA, but pressure from the White House is mounting. The world will be watching to see how this clash between sports and politics unfolds.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Which cities did President Trump mention?

President Trump specifically named San Francisco and Seattle. He also referred to Memphis and Chicago, though they are not host cities. His comments broadly targeted cities with Democratic leadership.

Q2: Can Trump actually move the World Cup venues?

His direct authority is limited as agreements are between FIFA and cities. However, his relationship with FIFA’s president could influence the organization. Ultimately, FIFA holds the final decision-making power.

Q3: How many US cities are hosting the 2026 World Cup?

Eleven American cities are scheduled to host matches. They are spread across the country from coast to coast. The tournament will also feature games in Canada and Mexico.

Q4: What has been FIFA’s response?

FIFA has not issued an official public statement on Trump’s remarks. The organization typically avoids public political commentary. Planning for the tournament continues as scheduled according to sources.

Q5: Why is Chicago not a host city?

Chicago withdrew from the hosting process due to disagreements with FIFA. The issues reportedly involved financial guarantees and contractual terms. This decision was made independently of the federal government.