Donald Trump has floated the idea of relocating the 2026 World Cup away from certain US cities he considers unsafe, although this comes with a stipulation.
In 2022, 11 cities across the United States were selected to host the men’s FIFA World Cup, which is approaching next year. However, just two months prior to the tournament draw, Trump has issued a warning concerning cities he labels as ‘too dangerous’.
During a discussion in the Oval Office on September 23, Trump expressed concerns about the safety of certain host cities, describing them as ‘a little bit dangerous’.
Specifically, he referenced cities typically aligned with the Democratic Party.
Seattle and San Francisco are among the cities chosen to host, yet they oppose the president’s immigration policies.
Initially, Trump assured that the World Cup would be ‘very secure,’ but he later indicated that host cities could lose the chance to host matches if they showed signs of being unsafe.
When asked by a reporter about Seattle and San Francisco – each slated to host six games – and how he would respond if these cities ‘did not cooperate’ with him, Trump replied: “Well, that’s an interesting question, but we’re going to make sure they’re safe. They’re run by radical left lunatics who don’t know what they’re doing.”
Additional host cities include Inglewood, Atlanta, Boston, Arlington (Texas), Houston, Kansas City, Miami, East Rutherford, and Philadelphia.
The 2026 World Cup will be unique as it will be hosted by three countries for the first time, with matches also being held in Mexico and Canada.
Regarding his safety concerns for the next year, Trump stated: “If any city we think is going to be even a little bit dangerous for the World Cup, or for the [2028] Olympics … but for the World Cup in particular, because they’re playing in so many cities, we won’t allow it.
“We’ll move it around a little bit. But I hope that’s not going to happen.”
However, his comments have left many social media users puzzled.
This is largely because Trump lacks the authority to change the location of World Cup matches, a decision that falls under FIFA’s jurisdiction. In addition, his comments did not address other cities with rising crime rates.
One user posted on X: “Aren’t the crimes happening in Utah and Texas?” while another commented: “He means Blue cities. What, Trump’s going to move the World Cup to Oklahoma?”
Another user pointed out: “He’s not allowed to move matches! Government interference is not allowed!”
The Athletic reports that FIFA’s agreements with host cities specify that there is no option for ‘ordinary termination’ of these contracts.
Cities are expected to invest significantly in preparations for the event, and with the tournament approaching, implementing such a major change would be challenging.
Nevertheless, many believe a change is improbable, as Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove from Inglewood remarked to the LA Times: “It’s so laughable, it’ll make you want to take a Tylenol.”
She further commented: “No one is taking this seriously. He has absolutely no power over that. The World Cup is not about Donald Trump. It’s also not about the United States. So another distraction and another example of ego and ignorance.”
She emphasized: “My hope is that this president would be focusing on making sure that the U.S. host cities have the infrastructure that they need.”
FIFA has been contacted for a statement.