2026 World Cup in uproar as Trump threatens to move host cities

November 18, 2025 Oliver Obel

The United States is set to host the bulk of the matches in the first 48-team World Cup, which it will share with Canada and Mexico. Sixteen cities—including Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Boston and Seattle—are preparing to stage the expanded competition.

FIFA has reported record-breaking demand, with nearly two million tickets already sold, and says roughly six million seats will be made available overall.

But Trump has repeatedly warned that certain host cities, particularly those led by Democratic officials, could lose their matches if he believes safety conditions fall short. Last month, he suggested Boston could be stripped of its fixtures. This week, focus shifted sharply to Seattle.

A tense Oval Office exchange

During Monday’s Oval Office session, Trump was asked about Seattle’s mayor-elect Katie Wilson, a democratic socialist who takes office in January. He implied the city could have its World Cup matches moved if crime or security issues arise.

“If we think there’s going to be a sign of any trouble, I would ask Gianni to move that to a different city,” Trump said. He went on to describe Seattle’s incoming mayor as “very, very liberal-slash-communist,” adding, “If we think there’s gonna be another problem, we’re gonna move this event to another place where it’s going to be appreciated and safe.”

According to News.com.au, the unexpected line of questioning left Infantino “scrambling.” He ultimately reiterated FIFA’s longstanding position:

“Safety and security are the No. 1 priority for a successful World Cup.” He noted that fans have shown strong confidence in the event, pointing to record sales. Infantino added that FIFA and U.S. authorities continue to coordinate through a joint security task force to ensure all visitors experience a safe tournament.

Strained regional dynamics

The political atmosphere surrounding the tournament has been further complicated by Trump’s recent comments to NBC News suggesting he would be open to authorizing U.S. strikes in Mexico to target drug cartels.

With Mexico City set to host the opening match on June 11, the remarks risk aggravating an already delicate tri-nation partnership.

Mexican officials have not directly responded, but analysts warn that such rhetoric could disrupt critical planning between the co-host nations.

Visa changes raise new questions

Trump also announced that U.S. embassies would begin prioritizing visa appointments for international fans who can present match tickets. The system, known as the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (Pass), is meant to shorten interview wait times.

U.S. officials said applicants should expect an interview within six to eight weeks and emphasized that ticket holders will receive the same vetting as any other traveller.

Some diplomats were caught off guard by the sudden announcement, which was not expected to be part of the Oval Office briefing.

Potential fallout for fans

Tournament officials say any late-stage reshuffling of host cities could cause major disruptions for supporters who have already booked flights, accommodation, and match-day travel.

Venue changes at this stage are considered highly unusual in modern World Cup planning and would involve coordination between FIFA, local organizing committees, and federal agencies.

Looking ahead

With the tournament draw scheduled for December 5, authorities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico are working to reassure fans and maintain stability.

But Trump’s repeated interventions have introduced a new layer of unpredictability to a project designed to showcase international cooperation—raising questions about how host cities, and FIFA itself, may respond if the political pressure escalates further.

Sources: NBC News, News.com.au, Fox News