FIFA remains hopeful that all 16 cities chosen to host games for the 2026 World Cup will be fully prepared to meet the event’s requirements, despite recent comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump. His remarks raised concerns about the security conditions in some host cities and suggested the possibility of moving matches if necessary.
In a statement issued by FIFA, the organization emphasized that while safety and security are always top priorities at any FIFA event, the responsibility for ensuring these standards lies primarily with the host governments. “We hope every one of our 16 host cities will be ready to successfully host and fulfill all necessary requirements,” a FIFA spokesperson said. The statement underscored that governments are in charge of deciding what actions to take for the safety of the public and event participants.
Trump’s comments, made in a press briefing, raised eyebrows when he suggested that FIFA President Gianni Infantino could relocate games if safety concerns in any U.S. city became a major issue. “If I feel there’s unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni, the head of FIFA, and I would say, let’s move it to another location,” Trump stated. He also implied that similar actions could be taken for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if required.
This was not the first time Trump had brought up the idea of relocating major events in U.S. cities. In 2025, he deployed national guard troops to several Democratic-run cities as part of a broader law enforcement crackdown, an initiative that has been controversial due to its political nature.
Boston, one of the cities scheduled to host seven World Cup matches, has been part of the controversy. Other cities like San Francisco and Seattle, which are set to host six matches each, have also been mentioned in these discussions. Trump’s comments on potentially moving World Cup games highlight the tension between federal oversight and local governance, particularly when it comes to managing the safety and security of international events.
The 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, will feature 48 teams for the first time in history. With the U.S. set to host the majority of the games, the spotlight remains on how the country will manage security concerns and political tensions in the lead-up to the tournament. The event will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with the hopes of ensuring a successful and safe experience for fans and players alike.
