FIFA Confirms Control Over 2026 World Cup Hosting Amid Trump Safety Claims

U.S. President Donald Trump recently suggested he might declare certain cities "not safe" for hosting matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and potentially relocate games away from them. However, FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani firmly reminded that FIFA alone has the authority to decide the tournament's host cities, emphasizing that it is FIFA's jurisdiction and not subject to government interference. Montagliani highlighted that football transcends individual leaders and political regimes, underscoring the sport's global nature and independence from political disputes. The 2026 World Cup's hosting plan, confirmed in 2022, includes specific U.S. cities with contracts in place, making changes logistically and legally challenging this close to the event. While Trump also linked concerns about safety to upcoming events like the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, FIFA maintains that any decisions about venue changes rest solely with the organization. The World Cup relies on host governments for security and logistics, but the ultimate control over match locations remains with FIFA.