US President Donald Trump has threatened to change the host city of the 2026 FIFA World Cup if safety concerns are raised.
Published October 16, 2025
Organizers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have dismissed concerns that US President Donald Trump could move matches from cities deemed “safe”.
Republican President Trump said last month that he would consider moving the games from Democratic-led San Francisco and Seattle if they did not cooperate on tackling immigration and crime.
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He raised the issue again this week, this time targeting Boston and its Democratic mayor, Michelle Wu, and hinted that he might appeal directly to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
John Kristic, who led the successful bid by Canada, Mexico and the United States to jointly host the 2026 finals, stressed that planning has been in the works for nearly a decade and remains immune to political rhetoric.
“From what I’ve seen, there haven’t been any distractions in terms of preparation,” said Kristic, co-head of global events at PlayFly Sports Consulting.
“Tickets are already on sale. Hospitality packages have been on sale for nearly a year.”
FIFA announced Thursday that more than 1 million tickets have been purchased for the World Cup so far, with fans from 212 countries and territories securing their seats.
FIFA previously said soccer’s international governing body had the final say on whether to postpone the 2026 World Cup, but said this week that “safety and security is clearly the responsibility of governments.”
FIFA added: “It is up to them to decide what is in the best interest of public safety.”
“We hope that all 16 host cities are prepared to host safely and meet all necessary requirements.”
Ricardo Trado, CEO of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Local Organizing Committee, said the United States has an abundance of good stadiums, so the possibility of relocating the match would be “feasible” unless it happens after the Dec. 5 draw.
“I don’t see why it’s not possible in a country like the United States, where each state has large stadiums ready to go,” said Trade, who was also CEO of CONMEBOL Copa America 2024, which will be held in the United States.
New York and New Jersey, which will play eight games including the final, remain focused, with daily fan festivals planned in the nation’s largest metropolitan area, NYNJ Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry said.
“We’re talking to FIFA, we’re working with the White House task force, and I don’t think there’s any concern that the games will be rescheduled,” Lasry said.
“No worries, but you know, I think there are people out there who want to move their games from Chicago to here or from somewhere to here. We’re very excited to bring more games to you.”
