Former US President Donald Trump threatened to relocate
World Cup matches from cities he considers unsafe, citing concerns over recent
violent incidents and security risks. His remarks have sparked varied responses
from local authorities, organisers, and security experts ahead of the 2026 FIFA
World Cup.
Trump's Statement on World Cup Host City Safety
As reported by Emma Burchley of Sky News, Donald Trump, speaking from the Oval Office on 24 September 2025, warned that World Cup games would be moved from host cities deemed "unsafe" for players and fans. Trump said:
"If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move it into a different city."
He added emphasis on the importance of securing the tournament's
locations to avoid any potential dangers to the event’s participants and
visitors.
Trump's comments came amid public concerns about rising
crime rates and violent incidents in some US cities preparing to host World Cup
matches. While he did not single out specific cities in his initial remarks,
media reports have highlighted that cities such as Seattle and San Francisco,
which have seen tensions tied to the Trump administration's immigration
policies, could be targeted for relocation of games if deemed unsafe by his
assessment.
Overview of 2026 World Cup Host Cities and Match Distribution
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the US hosting 78 of the 104 matches across 11
cities. These cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los
Angeles, Miami, New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), Philadelphia, San Francisco, and
Seattle. The final match will take place in New Jersey's MetLife Stadium.
Each of these cities has committed significant resources to
prepare for the event, including stadium upgrades, security enhancements, and
coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Trump’s
suggestion to relocate matches poses a logistical challenge given the scale and
fixed planning of the tournament venues.
Security Concerns and Measures for the Tournament
According to Charles Shut of the New Jersey National Police,
cited by XchangeTickets, over 360 law enforcement agencies at federal, state,
and local levels are collaborating to secure stadiums, hotels, and fan zones
during the World Cup. Safety plans include joint operations, intelligence
sharing, and comprehensive threat assessments covering potential risks like
terrorism, human trafficking, sexual abuse, and public safety.
The potential security threats are significant, with 6.5
million fans expected to attend World Cup matches in the US alone, alongside
thousands of foreign visitors and volunteers, increasing the complexity of
safety preparations. Authorities are particularly vigilant about terrorism
threats, given that sporting events have historically been high-profile
targets. Preparedness involves multi-agency coordination to monitor and deter
any possible attacks.
Political Context of Trump's Comments
Trump’s threats to move World Cup matches from certain
cities are seen in the context of his tough stance on law enforcement and crime
reduction, a key point of his political agenda. He has previously deployed
National Guard troops to cities like Washington DC, Los Angeles, Memphis, and
Chicago as part of his crime control initiatives.
Trump’s public criticism of Democratic-run cities, including
Seattle and San Francisco, has fueled speculation that these cities might lose
some World Cup hosting privileges if they do not meet his safety standards.
However, while Trump chairs the World Cup task force and reportedly has a
working relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, it remains unclear
what authority he has to enforce such changes, as FIFA retains control over the
tournament’s organisation and venue selection.
Reactions from Host Cities and Organisers
City officials from the venues named for the World Cup have
responded cautiously, reaffirming their dedication to safety and security
without directly responding to Trump’s threats. For example, Seattle and San
Francisco officials have stressed their collaboration with law enforcement and
continued investment in public safety measures ahead of the tournament.
FIFA spokespeople have reiterated that they are responsible
for selecting and approving host cities. They emphasise that any relocation of
matches at this stage would involve severe logistical difficulties and that the
organisation is confident in the security arrangements agreed upon.
Human Rights and Social Concerns Around the World Cup
Beyond immediate safety, human rights groups like Amnesty
International have raised concerns about broader social issues related to
hosting the tournament, particularly in the US. These include impacts on
immigrants, the right to peaceful protest, and LGBTI+ rights. FIFA's statutes
and bidding requirements commit to respecting internationally recognised human
rights, but activists warn of growing risks these rights may be undermined
during the massive event.
Law Enforcement Preparedness and Challenges
With the World Cup coinciding with increased public events
and the US’s 250th anniversary celebrations, police departments in host cities
are taking extra precautions. Many have mandated that officers refrain from
taking vacation during the tournament to ensure operational readiness.
Departments such as Kansas City, Dallas, and Santa Clara have plans for full
personnel commitment, reflecting the scale and critical nature of providing a
secure environment for the event.
Potential Impact of Relocation and Trump's Role
Should Trump's threat materialise, relocating matches at
short notice would disrupt broadcasters, teams, and fans while imposing
significant operational challenges. Although unclear if Trump has unilateral
authority, his close relations with FIFA President Infantino and his role
heading the US task force for the World Cup suggest his influence could play a
part in discussions about host city viability.
FIFA prepares for the group stage draw in December 2025,
which adds a looming timeline to resolving safety and hosting concerns.
Donald Trump's warning to move World Cup games from unsafe
host cities highlights critical issues around security and event management for
one of the world’s biggest sporting events. While his statements have generated
some controversy, they underscore the primary importance of safety for players,
fans, and staff in host cities.
Authorities and organisers face the dual task of ensuring comprehensive security while managing the logistical complexity of a multi-city event. As the tournament approaches, ongoing dialogue between federal officials, city authorities, FIFA, and security agencies will be crucial to delivering a safe and successful 2026 World Cup.