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Tom Hindle

President Donald Trump suggests moving 2026 World Cup games from cities he deems unsafe, says tournament will be 'very secure'

U.S. President Trump suggested to reporters this week that he could move matches for next summer’s 2026 men’s World Cup away from U.S. host cities that are “even a little bit dangerous.” It is unclear how feasible it would be to change sites for World Cup games at this point in the process, as the event begins next June. 

  • Trump speculates on venues

    Trump suggested that he has the power to move World Cup fixtures out of cities with safety concerns. He highlighted San Francisco, Seattle and Los Angeles as cities that could fall into that category.

    "If any city we think is going to be even a little bit dangerous for the World Cup, or for the Olympics, but for the World Cup in particular, because they're playing in so many cities, we won't allow it to go. We'll move it around a little bit," he said.

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  • Logistics of moves unclear

    For the 2026 World Cup, 11 cities in the U.S. are set to host matches. Five other cities in Canada and Mexico will also host games. All have been preparing for for the World Cup, and the responsibilities that come with hosting, for years.

    Along with Seattle and San Francisco, the other host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Miami, New York/New Jersey and Philadelphia. Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey will host matches in Mexico. Vancouver and Toronto will host matches in Canada.

    It isn't clear if Trump could exercise presidential powers to move games from city to city. 

    The administration recently allocated $625 million in federal funds to World Cup security. That money will be split proportionally - not equally - among the 11 U.S. host cities.

  • Tensions around the tournament

    Trump speculated in March that the rising political tensions between the U.S., Canada and Mexico could lead to better competition on the pitch. He also claimed that the opportunity to play at the World Cup could be an "incentive" for Russia to end the war in Ukraine. 

  • Indianapolis Colts v New York GiantsGetty Images Sport

    World Cup clock ticking

    Preparations for the World Cup are already well underway. The tournament mascots were revealed earlier this week, while numerous NFL stadiums have undergone significant modifications as they look to prepare themselves for the highest level of international soccer.

    The draw is set to take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 5.