Trump Threatens to Move 2026 World Cup Matches from Unsafe Cities
US President Donald Trump considers relocating 2026 World Cup matches from cities deemed unsafe. Trump's task force aims to ensure a smooth and successful 2026 World Cup experience, with a focus on fan safety and security.
“It's important that everyone who comes to America feels safe and feels welcome...”
US President Donald Trump has indicated that he would consider relocating matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup if he deems any US host cities to be unsafe. Trump emphasized his commitment to ensuring fan safety during the tournament, which the US will co-host with Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
Cities Potentially Affected:
- Seattle: Scheduled to host six matches at Lumen Field
- San Francisco: Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, about an hour's drive from San Francisco, is set to host six matches
- Los Angeles: Hosting eight games during the tournament
Trump criticized cities like Seattle and San Francisco, saying they are “run by radical left lunatics who don't know what they're doing.” Despite this, FIFA has expressed confidence in the Trump administration's ability to deliver a successful tournament. Trump has a close working relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and has promised a “seamless” experience for fans.
The United States is co-hosting next year's World Cup with Mexico and Canada, but will be hosting the bulk of the games in the tournament, which has been expanded to include 48 teams.
US President Donald Trump has indicated that he would consider relocating matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup if he deems any US host cities to be unsafe. Trump emphasized his commitment to ensuring fan safety during the tournament, which the US will co-host with Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
Trump said. “So if any city we think is going to be even a little bit dangerous for the World Cup, or for the Olympics, ... we won't allow it. We'll move it around a little bit.”
Host Cities and Matches:
- Los Angeles: 8 matches
- San Francisco: 6 matches (at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, about an hour's drive from San Francisco)
- Seattle: 6 matches at Lumen Field
Trump criticized cities like Seattle and San Francisco, saying they are “run by radical left lunatics who don't know what they're doing.” Despite this, FIFA has expressed confidence in the Trump administration's ability to deliver a successful tournament. Trump has a close working relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and has promised a “seamless” experience for fans. “It's actually a very fair question,” Trump continued. “If I think it's not safe, we're going to move it out of that city,” he added, before discussing crime statistics.
President Donald Trump hinted that some events could be relocated from cities deemed unsafe, mentioning both the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Trump threatens to move World Cup games out of blue cities due to "crime" pic.twitter.com/zXKyjL2Jx0
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 25, 2025
Trump has taken a keen interest in the 2028 LA Olympics, signing an executive order creating a task force to oversee the Games. He chairs this task force, which includes cabinet members and officials from various agencies, focusing on security, transportation, and visa processing. Trump believes the Olympics will be “a premier opportunity to showcase American exceptionalism.”
Preparations: Over $1 billion in commercial deals secured, venue planning underway, including Dodger Stadium for baseball and Trestles Beach for surfing
The Trump administration's involvement in the 2028 LA Olympics has sparked discussions about athlete eligibility, visa policies, and the event's overall success.
“So no, if any city we think is going to be even a little bit dangerous for the World Cup, or for the Olympics ... but for the World Cup in particular, because they're playing in so many cities, we won't allow it to go, we'll move it around a little bit,” he added.
President Donald Trump has appointed himself chairman of a White House task force for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the US will co-host with Mexico and Canada. This task force aims to ensure a smooth and successful tournament, with Trump emphasizing his commitment to providing a “seamless” experience for fans visiting the US.
Task Force Details:
- Chairman: President Donald Trump
- Vice Chair: Vice President JD Vance
- Objective: To oversee preparations for the World Cup, coordinating with federal agencies to ensure a successful event
Trump's close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been notable, with Infantino expressing confidence in the Trump administration's ability to deliver a successful tournament. “It's important that everyone who comes to America feels safe and feels welcome,” Infantino said, highlighting the importance of the task force.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the US, with projected impacts including:
- Economic Impact: $40 billion
- Job Creation: 200,000 jobs
- Visitor Numbers: 8-10 million international visitors
The task force will work to ensure that the US is well-prepared to host this major event, with Trump promising to make the tournament a success.
Infantino has said FIFA has “full and entire” confidence in the Trump administration to help deliver a successful tournament.
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