Trump Suggests Moving 2026 World Cup Matches Away From 'Radical Left' Cities That Oppose His Immigration Policies

President Donald Trump said he may seek to move the 2026 World Cup matches away from U.S. host cities he considers unsafe, raising questions about how the federal government could influence FIFA's arrangements for the upcoming tournament.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump guaranteed the event would be "very secure" but suggested some cities might lose hosting rights if they do "not cooperate" with his administration.

Asked about Seattle and San Francisco, both of which are slated to host six matches and have administrations that oppose the president, Trump called them "run by radical left lunatics who don't know what they're doing." He added: "If I think it's not safe, we're going to move it out of that city. So if any city we think is going to be even a little bit dangerous for the World Cup ... we won't allow it."

Seattle's Lumen Field is set to host four group-stage games, a round of 32 match, and a round of 16 fixture, including the U.S. team's second group match on June 19. Levi's Stadium, in Santa Clara near San Francisco, will host five group-stage games and one round of 32 match. Since FIFA finalized the schedule in February, the 11 U.S. host cities — including New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Miami — have been preparing for the logistical and security requirements that accompany the event.

It is unclear how feasible moving matches would be, as The Athletic points out. FIFA contracts with host cities grant the governing body broad authority but do not provide for "ordinary termination" of agreements. Trump does not hold formal power over FIFA decisions, though he has described FIFA president Gianni Infantino as a "great friend" and has personally been involved in the U.S. organizing effort.

The administration has allocated $625 million in federal funds for World Cup security, to be divided among the U.S. host cities based on need. Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup task force, said cities will submit requests for reimbursement, leaving unclear whether funding could be leveraged politically.

The World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, begins next June. More than 1.5 million ticket applications were received within 24 hours of presales opening earlier this month, according to FIFA. Trump told the UN General Assembly on Tuesdat that he hoped "countless people from all over the globe" would attend, even as U.S. inbound tourism numbers have declined compared to pre-pandemic levels.

The draw for the 48-team tournament will take place on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., where Trump installed himself as chairman earlier this year. Flanked by Infantino, Trump said the U.S. would ensure a safe tournament, adding that "if I think it isn't safe, we'll move into a different city, absolutely."