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52m ago

Trump Threatens to Move 2026 World Cup Matches From U.S. Cities He Calls Unsafe

FIFA controls venue assignments, leaving Trump’s relocation threat on uncertain legal ground.

The Record/Imagn Images
President Donald Trump seen holding the FIFA World Cup Trophy, as Giovanni Vincenzo Infantino, the head of the international organization, visited the White House.
U.S. President Donald Trump wears a 'Trump Was Right About Everything!' hat while holding the FIFA World Cup Trophy, as he makes an announcement on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 22, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo

Overview

  • Speaking at the White House on Thursday, Trump said he would shift matches if he deems a host city unsafe after being asked about Seattle and San Francisco.
  • FIFA selects World Cup venues, and multiple reports note it is unclear whether a U.S. president can force changes to host-city assignments.
  • Seattle officials pushed back, saying the city is preparing with FIFA and local partners to deliver a safe, welcoming experience.
  • Trump cited recent National Guard and federal deployments and said similar steps are planned in other cities, adding that the same principle could extend to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
  • No venue changes have been announced, with 11 U.S. cities slated to stage games next summer and the tournament draw set for Dec. 5 in Washington, D.C.