Donald Trump has warned that the 2026 FIFA World Cup could see matches relocated from US cities he deems to be too dangerous, particularly targeting Seattle and San Francisco. The US president expressed concerns over the safety of these host cities, emphasizing his determination to ensure they were safe for the tournament. Trump’s criticism was harsh, describing both cities as being “run by radical left lunatics who don’t know what they’re doing.”
Seattle’s Lumen Field is scheduled to host six matches, while Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, located about an hour from San Francisco, is set to host the same number. However, Trump’s comments signal his readiness to intervene should safety be a concern, even though these cities are vital parts of the tournament’s planning.
The president hinted that if any cities are deemed unsafe by his administration, he would take the necessary steps to shift World Cup games elsewhere. While Trump did not go into specifics about how such decisions would be made, he noted that the tournament would be played across multiple locations, giving the option to adjust matches if necessary.
Trump also reiterated his previous threats to deploy federal troops to cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington DC, claiming these actions had restored order in other cities. Though Chicago is not scheduled to host World Cup games, the president’s remarks were a clear indication of his intentions to assert control over cities he views as problematic.
The comments come as the final preparations are underway for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. With the draw set to take place in Washington DC on December 5, 2025, Trump’s statement has added a layer of uncertainty about how the tournament’s logistics may unfold.
Despite the controversy surrounding Trump’s remarks, his administration is pushing forward with efforts to ensure that the World Cup is safe for both participants and spectators. Whether or not any host cities will be affected by the threat remains to be seen, but Trump’s words have certainly raised eyebrows in the sports community and beyond.
