FIFA Admits Donald Trump Could Change the 2026 World Cup Host City

FIFA has confirmed that the United States (US) government has the authority to relocate matches at the 2026 World Cup, following statements by US President Donald Trump highlighting security concerns in several host cities.

In an official statement sent to several media outlets on Wednesday (October 15, 2025), FIFA emphasized that public safety is the government's responsibility and expressed support for Trump's statement.

FIFA's stance appears to contradict the views of its own vice president, Victor Montagliani.

"Security is the top priority at every FIFA event worldwide. Governments are responsible for determining the best course of action for public safety. We hope that the 16 host cities will meet all requirements and successfully host the matches," FIFA wrote in a statement to The Athletic and several other media outlets.

Previously, Montagliani, who also serves as president of CONCACAF, stated that FIFA has full jurisdiction over the relocation of matches.

"With all due respect to today's world leaders, football is much bigger than them, and the sport will outlast their reigns and any political slogans," said the FIFA vice president.

Donald Trump again raised the issue of the host city during his meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei last Tuesday. He highlighted security in Boston and the leadership of Mayor Michelle Wu.

"We could move it. I love the people of Boston, and I know the games are sold out, but the mayor is not doing a good job," Trump said.

"If someone is doing a bad job and I feel there's an unsafe environment, I'll call Gianni (Infantino), the wonderful FIFA president, and say, 'Let's move it to another location.' He probably won't be happy, but he'll do it, and now is the right time to do that," Trump added.

Responding to the statement, Michelle Wu emphasized that the decision regarding the games cannot be changed unilaterally.

"Most of it is contractually stipulated, so no one, not even the White House, can overturn it," Wu responded on "Java with Jimmy" last Wednesday.

Wu also considered such threats a form of pressure against those who refuse to submit to hate agendas.

"We live in a time when threats are constantly directed at individuals and communities who refuse to submit to or comply with such agendas," she said.

President Trump first raised the possibility of moving World Cup matches last September.

"The World Cup will be safe. But if I feel like a city is unsafe, we'll move it somewhere else. That's a fair question," he said at the time.

It remains unclear how the relocation of matches would work, including which city would be designated as a replacement if the plan were to materialize.

Of the 104 matches scheduled for the 2026 World Cup, 78 are scheduled to take place in the United States.

The group stage draw is scheduled for Friday, December 5, at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.