FIFA: U.S. govt determines World Cup city safety
FIFA has confirmed that the U.S. government retains ultimate authority to determine the safety of host cities for the 2026 World Cup. This acknowledgment follows statements by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting he could influence FIFA to relocate matches from designated cities he perceives as unsafe.
President Trump recently indicated he might request the relocation of some World Cup games if he judged certain host cities unsafe, citing concerns over civil unrest and “street takeovers.” He named cities such as Seattle, San Francisco, and Boston as potentially problematic locations. Trump also suggested he could seek to move the 2028 Olympic Games away from Los Angeles under similar safety concerns.
A FIFA spokesperson stated, “Safety and security are the top priorities at all FIFA events worldwide. Safety and security are obviously the governments’ responsibility and they decide what is in the best interest for public safety. We hope every one of our 16 host cities will be ready to successfully host and fulfil all necessary requirements.” The 16 host cities span the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The President’s remarks included, “If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there are unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni, the head of FIFA, who’s phenomenal, and I would say, ‘Let’s move it to another location.’ And he would do that.” Trump also acknowledged that moving the Olympics might require additional permission but left open the possibility.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has developed a working relationship with Trump and recently attended a Middle East peace summit with him, has not publicly echoed these relocation threats. FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani commented on the situation, emphasizing the independence and longevity of football beyond political leadership: “With all due respect to current world leaders, football is bigger than them and football will survive their regime and their government and their slogans.”
Sources within FIFA have indicated there are currently no safety concerns regarding any of the World Cup’s designated host cities. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) publicly reaffirmed strong institutional and political support for LA28, emphasizing solid preparations and confident expectations for the Games.
This episode underscores the complex interplay between international sports governance and national security prerogatives as the United States prepares to co-host the largest World Cup in history. The U.S. government’s final say on city safety matters places significant responsibility on domestic authorities to maintain both actual security and public confidence in the tournament’s venues. For FIFA and participating teams, the assurance of stable and secure environments remains critical in staging a successful event projected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors.
The 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted across 16 cities in North America, marks a historic expansion of the tournament with 48 teams. Any shifts in venue locations could carry logistical and financial implications but also reflect wider priorities balancing sports spectacle with public safety considerations.