“We will do it again if we have to”: Trump raises National Guard option before World Cup

February 6, 2026 Oliver Obel

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, questions over security and political stability in the United States are beginning to surface alongside logistical preparations for the tournament.

The competition, set to begin in Mexico on June 11, will be jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States. While matches will be spread across three Mexican cities and two Canadian venues, the United States is scheduled to host games in 11 cities making it the largest single host by footprint.

That role has come under renewed scrutiny following comments by US President Donald Trump, who indicated he could again deploy the National Guard in American cities ahead of the tournament if he deems it necessary.

Security and politics intersect

Concerns about the US as a host nation have been shaped by the country’s political climate and the administration’s approach to federal law enforcement, particularly immigration enforcement and crowd control. Critics argue that heavy-handed security measures could affect visiting supporters and teams during a global sporting event.

Those concerns intensified after Trump suggested that National Guard deployments could be used preventively in multiple cities before both the World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Trump defends earlier intervention

In an interview with NBC Nightly News, Trump pointed to his decision last year to deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles following clashes between protesters and federal agents. The move was widely criticised at the time by political opponents, who accused him of escalating tensions.

Trump rejected that characterisation, telling NBC News anchor Tom Llamas that the intervention was necessary to stabilise the city.

“I saved Los Angeles,” Trump said.
“If I didn’t go in there with the National Guard, with troops, you wouldn’t have the Olympics which I got, I got the Olympics in Los Angeles.”

Five cities under consideration

Trump said he would not hesitate to authorise similar deployments again if he believed major events were at risk. Praising both the National Guard and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he said safety would be a priority for upcoming international tournaments.

“We will do it again if we have to. And, by the way, we’re going to have a very safe Olympics and a very safe World Cup,” he said.

He added that five US cities were currently being reviewed for potential deployments but declined to identify them, saying announcements would be made in the near future.

International reaction

The comments arrive amid broader international criticism of Trump’s domestic and foreign policy positions. Some politicians argue that those policies run counter to the inclusive spirit typically associated with global sporting competitions.

In January, a group of 23 UK members of parliament signed a motion calling on international sporting bodies to consider whether the United States should continue to host major events. Other voices have urged national teams to consider boycotts, though no official action has been taken by FIFA.

Despite the controversy, US authorities remain central to World Cup planning, with security coordination expected to intensify in the months ahead as the tournament draws closer.

Sources: NBC News