Organizers of the 2026 World Cup have dismissed concerns that US President Donald Trump could move matches from cities it deems unsafe. Trump said last month he would consider moving the games from Democratic-controlled San Francisco and Seattle if they did not cooperate with his immigration and crime initiatives.
He raised the issue again this week, targeting Boston and its Democratic mayor, Michelle Wu, and suggesting he might turn to FIFA president Gianni Infantino. John Kristick, who led the successful bid by Canada, Mexico and the United States for the event, said preparations were continuing despite Trump’s comments.
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“From what I can see, there has been no distraction in terms of preparedness,” Kristick, co-head of global events at Playfly Sports Consulting, told Reuters.
“Tickets are already on sale. Hospitality packages have been on sale for almost a year now.”
FIFA said on Thursday that more than a million tickets have been sold so far for the World Cup with fans from 212 countries and territories.
“Safety and security are of course the responsibility of governments.”
“They decide what is in the best interest of public safety,” FIFA added.
“We hope that each of our 16 host cities will be ready to host successfully and meet all the necessary requirements.”
Ricardo Trade, CEO of the local organizing committee for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, said the abundance of good stadiums in the United States would allow the Games to be relocated.
“In a country like the United States, where every state has big stadiums ready for use, I don’t see why it wouldn’t be possible,” said Trade, who also served as the CEO of CONMEBOL’s Copa America 2024 in the US.
New York and New Jersey, responsible for eight games including the final, maintained their focus.
“We’ve talked to FIFA, we’re working with the White House task force, I don’t think the games should be moved,” Lasry said.
“I’m not worried, but if you know who wants to move games, from Chicago to here or from wherever to here, we’re more than excited to have more games.”
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Published on:
October 16, 2025
