Donald Trump claims he could move World Cup games from US cities he calls “dangerous,” but FIFA rules make clear he has no authority to do so.
President Donald Trump has raised eyebrows after suggesting that 2026 World Cup matches could be pulled from US cities he considers “unsafe.”
Back in 2022, FIFA awarded hosting rights to 11 American cities, alongside Canada and Mexico, marking the first time the men’s World Cup will be split across three countries. But just months before the tournament draw, Trump warned that certain Democratic-led cities may lose their matches.
Trump’s Warning on “Unsafe” Cities
Speaking from the Oval Office on September 23, Trump said:
“If any city we think is going to be even a little bit dangerous for the World Cup… we won’t allow it. We’ll move it around a little bit. But I hope that’s not going to happen.”
He specifically pointed to Seattle and San Francisco, both set to host six matches, calling them “run by radical left lunatics who don’t know what they’re doing.”
Other host cities include Los Angeles (Inglewood), Atlanta, Boston, Arlington (Texas), Houston, Kansas City, Miami, East Rutherford, and Philadelphia.
Fans Point Out a Catch
Social media quickly erupted with criticism, with many noting that Trump doesn’t actually have the power to move World Cup matches. That authority belongs to FIFA, which has already signed binding contracts with host cities.
One fan joked on X: “Trump’s going to move the World Cup to Oklahoma? He’s not even allowed to move matches!”
Another added: “Aren’t the crimes happening in Utah and Texas? So why only mention Blue cities?”
According to The Athletic, FIFA agreements make it clear that contracts with host cities “shall not have the right for ordinary termination.”
Experts Dismiss Trump’s Claim
Critics say Trump’s remarks are more political theater than actual policy. Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) told the Los Angeles Times:
“It’s so laughable, it’ll make you want to take a Tylenol. He has absolutely no power over that. The World Cup is not about Donald Trump. It’s also not about the United States. This is just another distraction.”
She added that the president should instead be focused on ensuring US cities are prepared with proper infrastructure and security for the global event.
The 2026 World Cup
The tournament is expected to be the biggest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams and expanded matches across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Billions are being invested by host cities to prepare, making Trump’s threat both impractical and highly unlikely to come true.
