Trump Issues Ultimatum: 2026 World Cup Could Be Relocated Over Safety Concerns
US President Donald Trump indicated that certain matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in America might be relocated to different cities, stating, "If I determine it's unsafe, we'll transfer it from that location."
Speaking to journalists in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump initially declared that World Cup venues would be "highly secure" before expressing concerns about potential host cities that have opposed his immigration and other policy initiatives.
"They're controlled by extreme left radicals who are incompetent," Trump responded to a reporter mentioning World Cup host cities Seattle and San Diego, each scheduled to host six matches, with local and state administrations that have resisted Trump's proposed policies.
"The World Cup will be secure. If I believe it's unsafe, we'll relocate to another city. Definitely... that's actually a legitimate concern. If I determine it's dangerous, we'll remove it from that location."
Trump: We Won't Tolerate Any Problems
The expanded 48-team World Cup will take place across 11 American cities, plus three Mexican cities and two Canadian locations. While Chicago, Memphis and Washington, D.C. aren't among the US host venues, all three featured prominently in Trump's response as he discussed security following his National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C. last August.
"As you're aware, we're entering Memphis, and we're moving into other cities, and very shortly we'll enter Chicago. The World Cup will be secure," he stated.
"If I believe it's unsafe, we'll relocate from that city. So if any location we consider potentially hazardous for the World Cup, or for the (2028) Olympics, you know where they have Olympic disruption, but especially for the World Cup, since they're competing in numerous cities, we won't permit it. We'll adjust locations somewhat. But I hope that won't be necessary."
It's uncertain how or when match relocations would be determined, but clarity may emerge after the FIFA World Cup draw on Dec. 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Sports Illustrated's request for comment to FIFA and the Canadian and Mexican governments received no immediate response.
Alternative Cities Ready to Host Additional Matches
Trump's attention regarding the World Cup centers exclusively on American venues. Meanwhile, other World Cup host cities have contacted FIFA about potentially accommodating additional matches if relocations become necessary.
If matches require relocation, Vancouver, Canada, scheduled to host seven games through the Round of 16, stands prepared to welcome additional fixtures.
"Extra games in British Columbia would be feasible and extremely welcomed," the Premier of British Columbia province informed reporters. "We've formally contacted FIFA to indicate that if they need to relocate games from other venues for any reason, British Columbia is prepared to host," he continued.
"We can act swiftly. We have an exceptional team and we're ready to accommodate additional games in this magnificent province."