Particle.news

Download on the App Store

FIFA Says It, Not the White House, Decides 2026 World Cup Host Cities

Host-city contracts sit with FIFA, limiting any federal attempt to relocate matches.

Overview

  • FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani said the organization is not considering changes to host venues and reiterated that match allocations are FIFA's decision.
  • President Donald Trump had said he could move games from cities he views as dangerous, naming Seattle and San Francisco in remarks last week.
  • Reporting explains that U.S. host cities signed agreements directly with FIFA, constraining any unilateral federal move to reassign matches.
  • Montagliani said scheduling will account for summer heat and broadcaster needs, with covered, air-conditioned stadiums offering more flexibility as the 48-team tournament nears.
  • He opposed a proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams but expressed openness to enlarging the Club World Cup after lessons from recent events.