Trump Raises the Possibility of Moving the 2026 World Cup Matches Over Safety Concerns
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, could see changes in its planned venues, according to former President Donald Trump. The three nations will jointly host the tournament from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with the final scheduled to take place in New Jersey.
Speaking from the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump suggested that matches might be relocated if any U.S. host cities are deemed unsafe. When asked specifically about Seattle and San Francisco, he remarked, “Well, that’s an interesting question … but we’re going to make sure they’re safe. [Seattle and San Francisco are] run by radical left lunatics who don’t know what they’re doing.”
Planned World Cup Venues in the U.S.
Currently, six matches are slated for Lumen Field in Seattle, while another six are scheduled at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, near San Francisco. These venues are part of a broader network of cities hosting World Cup games across the United States, reflecting FIFA’s decision to stage the event in multiple metropolitan areas.
While FIFA—the sport’s international governing body—determines the official match sites, Trump emphasized his close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, suggesting he could influence potential venue adjustments if necessary.
Trump Cites Safety Measures Ahead of the Tournament
Trump highlighted his administration’s safety policies as reasons why the U.S. will be prepared for the World Cup. He referenced the deployment of the National Guard to Washington, D.C., last month in response to what he called a “crime emergency,” asserting that the move resulted in “no crime” in the city.
He elaborated on Thursday, “As you probably know, we’re going into Memphis and some other cities. Very soon we’re going into Chicago. It will be safe for the World Cup. If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move into a different city, absolutely. It’s actually a very fair question.”
Trump reiterated that any city deemed even slightly dangerous could see matches relocated, not only for the World Cup but potentially for other major international events like the 2028 Summer Olympics. “If I think it’s not safe, we’re going to move it out of that city,” he said. “We won’t allow it. We’ll move it around a little bit. But I hope that’s not going to happen.”
The Expanded 48-Team Format
The 2026 World Cup will be the first edition to feature 48 teams, up from the current 32. The tournament is expected to draw millions of spectators and billions in global TV revenue. FIFA is planning the match schedules and draws, which are set to take place on December 5 in Washington, D.C.
The expanded format increases the number of host cities needed, placing additional emphasis on logistical and security planning. Each host city will be responsible for stadium readiness, crowd management, and coordination with local authorities to ensure the safety of fans, players, and officials.
Public Reactions and Implications
Trump’s comments have sparked debate among soccer fans, city officials, and political analysts. Critics argue that relocating matches for political or subjective safety reasons could disrupt FIFA’s planning and undermine confidence in the United States as a host. Supporters, however, say prioritizing fan and player safety is critical, particularly in cities with higher crime rates or recent civil unrest.
Seattle and San Francisco city officials have not publicly responded to Trump’s remarks. However, both cities have experience hosting major sporting events, including NFL games, international soccer matches, and concerts, with robust security measures already in place.
Trump’s Broader Safety Campaign
Trump’s statements reflect his broader emphasis on law and order, a theme he frequently highlighted during his presidency and post-presidency political activities. His recent comments suggest that he sees the World Cup as not just a sporting event, but also as a stage to showcase his policies on public safety.
He has also indicated that other U.S. cities, such as Memphis and Chicago, are undergoing enhanced safety preparations, potentially under federal oversight, in anticipation of major international events.
Coordination with FIFA
While the U.S. has authority over local security and infrastructure, FIFA ultimately decides on match locations, tournament rules, and official scheduling. Any decision to move games would likely involve intense negotiation between FIFA officials, U.S. authorities, and possibly the governments of Canada and Mexico.
Trump’s close ties with FIFA President Infantino could play a role in influencing decisions, though FIFA has not indicated any willingness to alter the planned match venues as of now.
Looking Ahead
With the World Cup still three years away, organizers and local authorities have time to finalize security, logistics, and operational plans. Fan engagement, ticket sales, and tourism projections remain strong, and cities like Seattle and San Francisco are preparing to welcome visitors from around the world.
The upcoming World Cup draw on December 5, 2025, will determine matchups and kick off a global countdown to the tournament. Whether Trump’s warnings will lead to actual venue changes remains uncertain, but his remarks highlight the intersection of sports, politics, and security in hosting one of the world’s most high-profile sporting events.