FIFA and U.S. Define Security in 2026 World Cup Host Cities

The United States has the final say on the security of World Cup venues, according to FIFA

FIFA has acknowledged that the United States government has the final authority to determine the safety of the World Cup host cities. This statement comes after former President Donald Trump indicated that he might move the 2026 World Cup matches from the designated cities if he considered them unsafe. Trump also suggested that he would seek to move the 2028 Olympics from Los Angeles if he felt the city was not adequately prepared. The former US president has previously expressed his concern about safety in some cities, specifically mentioning Seattle and San Francisco.

Safety is the number one priority at all FIFA events. Security is the responsibility of governments, and they decide what is best for public safety.

FIFA Spokesperson

In this regard, FIFA expects the 16 host cities to be prepared to meet all the necessary requirements.

On Thursday, Trump mentioned “street takeovers” in Boston and stated that FIFA would move the World Cup matches if he requested it.

If someone is doing a bad job, and if I feel there are unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni, the FIFA boss, and I would say: ‘Let’s move it somewhere else’. And he would do it. He wouldn’t love to do it, but he would do it very easily.

Donald Trump

Trump added that he could take the same stance regarding the Olympic Games, suggesting he would move them if he felt Los Angeles was not prepared. The FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, has maintained a close relationship with Trump, even attending a peace summit in the Middle East with him. The FIFA vice president, Victor Montagliani, had previously stated that FIFA is the one that makes the relevant decisions, in response to Trump’s initial threat to move the matches. Montagliani affirmed that football is bigger than any world leader and that it will survive any government. It is understood that FIFA has no concerns about any of the 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In response to Trump’s comments, a spokesperson for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stated that the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games have the full support of the President of the United States, the Governor of California, and the Mayor of Los Angeles. The IOC is confident that Los Angeles 2028 will be a great Olympic Games.