US President Donald Trump has said he will move 2026 World Cup matches away from host cities he considers unsafe.
The United States is due to stage 78 of the tournament’s 104 fixtures, including the final, across 11 cities. Canada and Mexico will co-host the remaining matches.
World governing body Fifa has authority over host venues, meaning any late changes could pose major logistical hurdles.
Trump, however, cited his role as chair of the World Cup taskforce and his close ties with Fifa president Gianni Infantino.
“It will be safe for the World Cup,” Trump told reporters. “If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move it into a different city.”
Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles — all Democratic-run cities and among those scheduled to host multiple games — were singled out in Trump’s comments.
The president has made tackling crime a central plank of his agenda, deploying National Guard troops in several cities in recent months.
The World Cup group-stage draw will take place in Washington DC on 5 December. The expanded 48-team tournament runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026.
