In a move that has sent ripples across the international sports community, U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced he would consider relocating 2026 FIFA World Cup matches from American cities he deems ‘unsafe.’ This declaration comes just months before the United States, alongside Canada and Mexico, is slated to co-host the largest-ever edition of football’s premier quadrennial event, with eleven U.S. cities, including New York/New Jersey for the final, preparing to welcome the world.
During remarks in the Oval Office, the Republican President stated his intention to move games if cities do not align with his administration’s immigration and crime policies. ‘If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move it into a different city,’ Trump asserted, signaling potential disruption for participating host cities.
The extent of President Trump’s authority to unilaterally alter World Cup hosting arrangements remains unclear, with many questioning the legal and logistical feasibility of such a drastic step.
Speculation immediately centered on Democrat-controlled cities, with San Francisco and Seattle reportedly among those whose World Cup hosting status could be jeopardized by this directive.
In response, Hana Tadesse, spokesperson for Seattle FIFA World Cup 26, affirmed the city’s unwavering commitment to safety, expressing confidence in their meticulous planning. She highlighted the close collaboration with FIFA, the White House Task Force for FIFA World Cup 26, local community partners, and law enforcement. ‘Seattle looks forward to shining on the world stage and hosting an event that is not only spectacular, but safe for all,’ Tadesse stated, emphasizing their readiness.
The San Francisco Bay Area host committee has yet to issue a public statement regarding President Trump’s remarks.
This isn’t the first time President Trump has taken a strong stance on city safety; earlier this year, he deployed hundreds of troops to the U.S. capital, a Democrat-led city, as part of a federal initiative to combat what he termed a ‘crime epidemic.’ Critics, however, pointed out that this narrative often contrasts with available data indicating a general decline in crime rates in recent years.
President Trump has frequently engaged with the sports world during his second term, notably announcing that the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington would host the 2026 World Cup draw. His presence was also felt at the recent Ryder Cup on Long Island, where he was met with cheers as the U.S. team aimed to reverse their 2023 loss to Team Europe, further underscoring his connection to high-profile sporting events.