FIFA Venues at Risk? Trump Hints at World Cup Changes

U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred debate by suggesting he would “absolutely” consider moving 2026 World Cup matches away from certain U.S. cities if he decides they are unsafe.

The global tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is expected to draw millions of fans to 11 American venues. Among them are Seattle’s Lumen Field and Levi’s Stadium in California’s Bay Area, both scheduled to host six matches each.

Trump’s comments appear directed at cities like Seattle and San Francisco, which have resisted some of his administration’s immigration and crime policies.

While FIFA is the governing body that ultimately controls venue assignments, Trump’s close ties to FIFA president Gianni Infantino add weight to his words.

The president highlighted his decision to deploy the National Guard in Washington, D.C., claiming it transformed a “crime emergency” into “no crime.” He also took aim at crime levels in Chicago, though the city is not a host venue.