FIFA hopes 2026 World Cup cities will be 'ready' for games | The Express Tribune
Key Takeaways
- FIFA hopes all 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup will be ready to stage games.
- US President Donald Trump suggested he could ask FIFA to move World Cup matches from US cities for security reasons.
- Trump claimed FIFA President Gianni Infantino would support moving games if he felt conditions were unsafe.
- FIFA stated that safety and security are top priorities, but acknowledged that public safety decisions rest with the governments.
- The US is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada, hosting the majority of the matches.
FIFA has publicly stated its hope that all 16 host cities designated for the 2026 World Cup finals will be fully prepared to stage the matches as scheduled. This statement follows recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who indicated he might request FIFA to relocate games from certain US cities citing security concerns related to their management. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed that safety and security are paramount at all their events worldwide, but also noted that determining public safety is the responsibility of the respective governments. Trump claimed that FIFA President Gianni Infantino would readily agree to move games, even suggesting that events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could also be subject to relocation if necessary. The context involves the Trump administration deploying National Guard troops to Democratic-run cities over local objections. The US is co-hosting the tournament with Mexico and Canada, with 11 of the 16 host cities located in the United States.
