Bhubaneswar: Organisers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have brushed aside threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump to move tournament matches away from certain host cities, insisting preparations remain on schedule across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Trump, who has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with Democratic-led cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, and Boston, suggested in recent remarks that matches could be reassigned over what he described as “safety and cooperation issues.” His comments sparked speculation about possible political interference in the world’s biggest sporting event.
However, FIFA officials and local organisers have made it clear that venue decisions are not within the authority of any national leader. A spokesperson for the organising committee confirmed that “planning, infrastructure development, and fan engagement activities continue as planned,” adding that over one million tickets have already been sold to fans across more than 200 countries.
FIFA reiterated that the governing body retains full control over host city assignments, venue logistics, and match schedules. “The selection of host cities was made after a rigorous process, and all venues are expected to meet FIFA’s operational and safety standards,” the statement read.
Analysts say that while the United States boasts an abundance of high-quality stadiums, any relocation at this stage would be highly disruptive and politically charged. The final tournament schedule is expected to be confirmed by December, ahead of the official draw.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first in history to feature 48 teams, with matches spread across 16 cities in North America — 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada. Organisers remain confident that the event will proceed smoothly, despite the political rhetoric surrounding it.
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