2026 World Cup: President Donald Trump Suggests Moving Games to Safer Cities
- USA President Donald Trump has threatened to move some football matches from cities deemed unsafe
- The United States of America will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexico
- The USA government has allocated the sum of $625 million in federal funds to the World Cup security
President Donald Trump explained that some matches for the 2026 World Cup could be relocated from cities deemed unsafe.
The tournament is scheduled for June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be jointly hosted across 16 cities in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
The United States is the main host, while the two other countries serve as auxiliary hosts.
Source: Getty Images
Trump gives assurance ahead of 2026 World Cup
US President Donald Trump has assured participating countries of their safety ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to NY Times, Trump suggested that matches would be moved away from 'unsafe' cities with records of violence.
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The 79-year-old said his government has identified alternative cities that can replace the initial venues for the Mundial. Trump said:
"As you probably know, we’re going into Memphis and we’re going into some other cities.
"Very soon we’re going into Chicago. It will be safe for the World Cup. If I think it isn’t safe, we’ll move into a different city, absolutely. It’s actually a very fair question."
Source: Getty Images
Cities hosting World Cup matches
Seattle’s Lumen Field is set to host four group-stage matches during the 2026 World Cup, including the U.S. team's second group game on June 19.
According to Arab News, the Seattle stadium will also host one Round of 32 match and a Round of 16 clash.
Levi’s Stadium, located in Santa Clara, about 40 miles south of San Francisco, will host five group-stage games and one Round of 32 match.
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Other US cities that have been penciled down to host the games include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Miami, New York/New Jersey, and Philadelphia.
In Mexico, matches will be held in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, while Canada will host games in Vancouver and Toronto.
The World Cup draws, which will feature 48 teams, are scheduled for December 5 in Washington, D.C.
Speaking in an exclusive with Legit.ng, Professor Ibrahim Tajudeen, Head of Department, Human Kinetics at the University of Ilorin, said the World football-governing body should make the safety of the players paramount. Tajudeen said:
"We are aware of the relationship between US president Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The World Cup is the biggest football event, and the organisers must assure the visiting countries of maximum security.
"This is not the first time the United State of America will be hosting an event of this magnitude, and I am sure it will be bigger than the Club World Cup."
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FIFA considers expanding 2030 World Cup
Legit.ng reported that FIFA is considering expanding the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams after receiving a formal proposal from the South American confederation.
FIFA will be open to having a one-off 64-nation tournament for the centenary celebration, even though it is still bracing up for its first 48-nation tournament next year.
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Source: Legit.ng
