FIFA tells Sky News the U.S. government has authority to assess city safety as Trump targets Democrat-run regions ahead of World Cup 2026 tournament
FIFA has confirmed to Sky News that the U.S. government holds the right to determine whether host cities are safe for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following remarks from President Donald Trump suggesting he could remove the Boston area from the event due to concerns over crime.
The president intensified his criticism of crime rates in Democrat-run cities, telling reporters at the White House that he would not hesitate to call for venue changes if he felt any area was unsafe. Trump also suggested that California could be stripped of matches at both the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there’s unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni — the head of FIFA, who’s phenomenal — and I would say, ‘Let’s move into another location,’ and they would do that,” Trump said. “He wouldn’t love to do it, but he’d do it very easily.”
FIFA Emphasizes Safety as Top Priority
In a statement to Sky News, FIFA reaffirmed that safety and security remain the organization’s top concerns for all events worldwide, noting that such matters ultimately fall under government jurisdiction.
“Safety and security are the top priorities at all FIFA events worldwide,” FIFA said. “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 fulfill all necessary requirements.”
FIFA did not comment on the possibility of changing any of the 11 U.S. venues currently slated to host matches during the expanded 48-team tournament, which will feature 104 fixtures across North America. The United States is set to stage 78 of those matches, including the final in New Jersey, while Canada and Mexico will host the remaining games.
Trump’s Boston Comments and Political Tensions
Although the city of Boston itself is not hosting matches, FIFA is set to use Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts — roughly 30 miles from the city — for seven World Cup matches. The stadium is the home of the NFL’s New England Patriots.
Trump’s latest remarks come amid ongoing political criticism of Democratic city leadership, including Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, whom he accused of allowing the “radical left” to take over the city. The comments were made earlier this week while Trump hosted Argentine President Javier Milei at the White House.
The Trump administration has also deployed National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Memphis, saying the move is part of an effort to “clean up crime” in major U.S. cities.
Infantino’s Close Ties to Trump
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is considered a close ally of President Trump, having maintained a visible relationship since the U.S. was awarded hosting rights for the 2026 World Cup during Trump’s first term.
Infantino recently attended Trump’s Gaza peace summit in Egypt, where the two leaders were seen together alongside other global figures. Over the years, they have appeared at multiple summits and international meetings, underscoring a unique political and personal connection between the FIFA chief and the U.S. president.
While FIFA has not publicly pushed back on Trump’s comments regarding venue safety or potential changes, the organization emphasized in its statement that it expects all host cities to meet established safety and infrastructure requirements well ahead of the tournament.
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North America’s First 48-Team World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks the first time the tournament will feature 48 teams, expanding from the traditional 32-team format. Matches will be played across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the U.S. hosting the majority of games.
The expanded format is expected to attract record-breaking global audiences and generate billions in tourism revenue. The tournament’s final is scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the home of the NFL’s New York Giants and Jets.
Despite political tensions, FIFA remains confident that preparations are on track. The organization reiterated that it continues to collaborate with local and federal authorities to ensure all host venues meet international safety standards before kickoff in June 2026.
Analysis: Balancing Politics and Global Sport
Trump’s remarks have reignited debate over the role of politics in global sporting events. While FIFA typically distances itself from national political disputes, Infantino’s relationship with Trump places the organization in a sensitive position.
Analysts say that while it is highly unlikely any city will be removed at this stage, the comments could strain relations between FIFA and local governments responsible for event logistics and security.
Political analysts also note that Trump’s statements come at a politically charged moment, as the president seeks to project strength on issues of law and order while maintaining high-profile global visibility ahead of the 2026 event.
Narrator Conclusion
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, FIFA insists that safety remains paramount — and that it will work closely with all 16 host cities to ensure successful delivery of football’s biggest tournament.
For now, despite President Trump’s strong words, there has been no indication of any formal changes to the planned U.S. venues.