U.S. President Donald Trump stated he would consider relocating 2026 World Cup matches from cities he didn’t deem protected, months earlier than the United States is about to co-host the quadrennial soccer showcase with Canada and Mexico.
Eleven U.S. cities are set to welcome matches, together with the ultimate in New York/New Jersey, for the largest-ever version of the match.
Asked about transferring matches from cities that don’t cooperate along with his immigration and crime initiatives, Mr. Trump stated that was on the desk throughout remarks made within the Oval Office on Thursday (September 26, 2025).
“If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move it into a different city,” stated Mr. Trump, who’s a Republican.
It was not instantly clear whether or not Mr. Trump would have that authority. Reuters has contacted world soccer’s governing physique FIFA for remark.
A reporter on the Oval Office briefing cited two cities — Democrat-controlled San Francisco and Seattle — as potential targets for having World Cup internet hosting duties revoked.
Hana Tadesse, spokesperson for Seattle FIFA World Cup 26, stated the group was dedicated to making certain a protected expertise and was assured in its planning.
“Since being selected by FIFA as a host city, we’ve worked closely with them, the White House Task Force for FIFA World Cup 26, community partners, and law enforcement,” Tadesse stated in an announcement.
“Seattle looks forward to shining on the world stage and hosting an event that is not only spectacular, but safe for all.”
The San Francisco Bay Area host committee didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
Trump despatched tons of of troops into the Democrat-led U.S. capital earlier this 12 months to help a federal crackdown on what he referred to as a criminal offense epidemic.
The depiction runs counter to obtainable knowledge that exhibits crime charges, total, have declined in recent times.
The U.S. president has repeatedly thrust himself into the sports activities highlight throughout his second time period, asserting final month that the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington will host the 2026 World Cup draw.
Trump attended the primary day of golf’s Ryder Cup competitors on Long Island on Friday, soaking in cheers from the gang because the U.S. crew sought to avenge their 2023 defeat by Team Europe.
