Does Trump Hold the Power to Relocate 2026 World Cup Matches?

While U.S. President Donald Trump lacks legal authority to support his warnings about relocating FIFA World Cup venues from certain cities, he enjoys support from FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The 2026 World Cup approaches with less than a year remaining, and anticipation for the global tournament continues to grow worldwide.

The expanded international competition will feature forty-eight nations, marking the first occasion where three nations will jointly host the event. Canada and Mexico will co-host next summer's World Cup alongside the United States, though most matches will take place on American soil.

Eleven venues across 11 American cities are designated to host matches throughout the U.S., yet President Trump has recently issued warnings about potentially relocating games within the country before the tournament begins—a move that could significantly affect the competition if implemented.

What Motivates Donald Trump's Threats to Relocate World Cup Games?

Trump has warned about stripping cities of their World Cup hosting rights citing alleged "security concerns" following recent protests against his policies on immigration and law enforcement, as well as criticism of local political leadership. Nevertheless, the President didn't independently propose relocating matches, as the concept was initially presented to him by a journalist during an Oval Office gathering.

When questioned on Sept. 25 regarding whether games might be moved due to protests, Trump responded: "I suppose, but we're going to ensure they remain secure. These places are managed by extreme left radicals who are clueless about governance."

He subsequently stated: "If we believe any city poses even minimal risk for the World Cup, we won't permit it to proceed there. We'll relocate it as needed."

On Oct. 14, Trump faced questions about potentially removing Boston's hosting status following a violent "street takeover" incident. He confirmed the possibility of moving games and sharply criticized Boston's Democratic mayor, Michelle Wu.

"We have the ability to remove them [matches] from Boston," Trump declared. "Their mayor is incompetent. She's extreme left, and they're allowing parts of Boston to be overrun. That's quite a significant statement, isn't it?"

Most recently, Trump addressed moving matches in connection with Seattle's newly elected Democratic mayor, Katie Wilson.

"If we detect any indication of potential trouble, I would request [FIFA President] Gianni [Infantino] to relocate that to another city," Trump commented. "So, if we identify issues in Seattle with its very Liberal/communist mayor, we'll say, 'Gianni, may we move this?' I doubt you'll encounter this problem. But we'll transfer the event somewhere it will be valued and secure."

Trump has also suggested the possibility of relocating the 2028 Summer Olympics, scheduled for Los Angeles.

Does Donald Trump Have Authority to Move World Cup Games?

Trump lacks authority to independently relocate World Cup matches. This limitation exists because contracts have been established and executed directly between FIFA and host city municipalities, with Trump having no legal standing to terminate or modify these agreements.

Nevertheless, FIFA possesses the authority to relocate fixtures. Host cities must guarantee they satisfy proper safety and security requirements, with football's governing organization empowered to intervene if they determine these standards haven't been maintained.

Speaking with Trump following his comments about Seattle's mayor, FIFA President Infantino acknowledged that relocating matches remains possible. "Absolutely, I believe safety and security represents the top priority for a successful World Cup."

Infantino continued: "We are collaborating, we have established a task force for this purpose and we must guarantee that all international fans visiting here can enjoy a celebration of unity through sport, which requires complete safety."

FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani, Infantino's deputy, has previously dismissed suggestions that World Cup games might be relocated, however.

"This is FIFA's competition, FIFA's authority, FIFA makes these determinations," stated Montagliani. "With complete respect to current world leaders, football transcends them and football will outlast their administration and their government and their rhetoric. That represents the magnificence of our sport, that it surpasses any individual and any nation."

Trump could certainly exert political influence on decision-makers in host cities attempting to execute his warnings, but relocating fixtures would create enormous disruption. The economic consequences and logistical challenges involved make venue changes extremely difficult to implement, though it remains within the realm of possibility.

World Cup Host Cities in the United States