US President Donald Trump has said he may relocate matches of the 2026 World Cup from any cities he deems unsafe. Eleven US cities, including Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, are scheduled to host the tournament, which will be co-organized by Canada and Mexico.
Idman.biz, citing BBC, reports that the US will stage 78 of the 104 fixtures, including the final. Trump, who chairs the World Cup taskforce and has a close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, told reporters: “If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move it into a different city.” He specifically raised concerns about Democratic-run cities like Seattle and San Francisco.
Trump has made tackling crime a central agenda point, previously deploying National Guard troops to Washington DC, Los Angeles, and planning for Memphis and Chicago.
FIFA is responsible for organizing the tournament, and any changes now or later could face logistical challenges. The group stage draw is scheduled for December 5, and the tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
