FIFA Dismisses Trump’s Threat to Move 2026 World Cup Matches — “Football Is Bigger Than Any Politician”

Global football governing body FIFA has issued a firm response to recent threats by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed he could relocate World Cup matches from certain host cities in the United States.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, will feature matches across 16 cities, including Democrat-led ones like New York and Los Angeles. Trump, however, has repeatedly said he would move games away from cities he described as “unsafe,” asserting that his stance would be supported by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

But FIFA has made it unmistakably clear: Trump has no such power.

In an official statement, FIFA emphasized that security decisions rest with governments, not politicians seeking influence over football.

“Safety and security are the top priorities at all FIFA events worldwide. Safety and security are obviously the governments’ responsibility, and they decide what is in the best interest for public safety. We hope every one of our 16 host cities will be ready to successfully host and fulfil all necessary requirements,” the statement read.

FIFA Vice-President Victor Montagliani went even further, reminding the world that the sport transcends political control:

“It’s FIFA’s tournament, FIFA’s jurisdiction, FIFA makes those decisions. With all due respect to current world leaders, football is bigger than them — and football will survive their regime, their government, and their slogans.”

💭 Opinion: Politics May Play Games, But Football Always Wins

Trump’s attempt to inject political rhetoric into the World Cup conversation is hardly surprising — but it’s a dangerous line to cross. The World Cup isn’t a campaign rally or a stage for political showmanship; it’s a global celebration of unity, culture, and passion.

FIFA’s strong response sends a much-needed reminder: the game belongs to the world, not to any politician. The beauty of football is its neutrality — it breaks borders, languages, and ideologies. It’s a force that even the most powerful figures can’t control.

Yes, safety concerns are legitimate. But weaponizing them for political gain risks alienating fans and undermining what the World Cup stands for — togetherness.

In 2026, when the world gathers across North America to celebrate football, it shouldn’t be about red states or blue states, but about one world, one game, and one shared joy.

Because as Montagliani rightly said — football will outlive governments, outshine politics, and outlast every slogan.