Trump ‘will move’ World Cup games from ‘unsafe’ cities

US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to relocate matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from cities he deems unsafe. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, with the US set to host 78 games, including the final. Eleven US cities—Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle—are slated to host matches. However, Trump’s unilateral decision to move games has raised questions about his authority and the logistical challenges involved. FIFA, the global governing body of football, is responsible for organizing the tournament and selecting host cities. Despite this, Trump’s close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his role as chair of the World Cup taskforce may influence the process. In a statement from the Oval Office, Trump emphasized, ‘It will be safe for the World Cup. If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move it into a different city.’ He specifically mentioned Democratic-led cities like Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, which are set to host multiple games. Trump’s focus on safety aligns with his broader agenda on crime reduction. In recent months, he has deployed National Guard troops to cities like Washington DC, Memphis, and Chicago, citing concerns over public safety. The 2026 World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, will be the largest in history. Trump’s comments add to his controversial history with the tournament, including past remarks about Russia’s participation and tensions with co-hosts Canada and Mexico.