President Trump’s Warning to 2026 World Cup Host Cities
President Donald Trump warned he would strip 2026 World Cup games from U.S. host cities he deems unsafe.
Speaking to reporters Thursday, Trump addressed games in Seattle and San Francisco, which will each host six matches. A reporter asked Trump what he would do if those cities, which have pushed back against the administration’s immigration policies, did not cooperate.
“Well, that’s an interesting question, but we’re going to make sure they’re safe,” he said. “They’re run by radical left lunatics who don’t know what they’re doing.”
The 2026 World Cup Host Cities
The U.S., Mexico and Canada are hosting the World Cup in June and July of next year. North Texas is scheduled to host nine games, including a semifinal match, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Political Points
Possible Effects on North Texas
Could Trump’s remarks have any effect on North Texas?
Both the Dallas Sports Commission and the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee declined to comment by email. Arlington Mayor Jim Ross also declined to comment. FIFA did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
It is not clear whether it would be possible to swap a location at this point. Arlington and other host cities have been preparing for the tournament since 2022, when FIFA selected the sites.
FIFA’s Role in the World Cup
FIFA, not Trump, oversees the World Cup and selects host cities. However, Trump has a close working relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Trump has made targeting urban crime in Democratic-led cities a priority. In June, the president deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles to crack down on protests over immigration raids. In August, he sent troops to Washington, D.C., after signing an executive order due to a “crime emergency.” This month, Trump deployed troops to Memphis to combat crime. He has also suggested sending troops to New Orleans and Chicago.
Crime Statistics in Host Cities
Based on crime statistics, Arlington is not likely to draw Trump’s ire. With a population of roughly 400,000, the city has a violent crime rate of 482.9 per 100,000 residents, according to data compiled by the FBI. In comparison, San Francisco, which has a population of 800,000, has a violent crime rate of 596.5 per 100,000 residents; Seattle, a city of 760,000, has a violent crime rate of 775 per 100,000 residents.
Dallas, where many World Cup events will take place, has a violent crime rate of 658.2 per 100,000 residents.
Trump’s Statement on Safety
“If I think it’s not safe, we’re going to move it out of that city,” Trump said. “So if any city we think is going to be even a little bit dangerous for the World Cup, or for the (2028) Olympics, you know where they have Olympic overthrow right, but for the World Cup in particular, because they’re playing in so many cities, we won’t allow it. We’ll move it around a little bit. But I hope that’s not going to happen.”
The draw for the World Cup, which will feature 48 teams, is scheduled for Dec. 5 in Washington, D.C.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Conclusion
In conclusion, President Trump’s warning to 2026 World Cup host cities has raised concerns about the safety and security of the tournament. While FIFA oversees the World Cup and selects host cities, Trump’s close working relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino may have an impact on the tournament. The crime statistics in host cities such as Arlington, San Francisco, and Seattle will be closely monitored, and any city deemed unsafe may face the possibility of having their games relocated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What did President Trump say about the 2026 World Cup host cities?
A: President Trump warned that he would strip 2026 World Cup games from U.S. host cities he deems unsafe.
Q: Which cities will host the 2026 World Cup?
A: The U.S., Mexico, and Canada will host the 2026 World Cup, with cities such as Seattle, San Francisco, and Arlington hosting games.
Q: What is FIFA’s role in the World Cup?
A: FIFA oversees the World Cup and selects host cities, but President Trump has a close working relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Q: How will crime statistics affect the host cities?
A: Crime statistics in host cities such as Arlington, San Francisco, and Seattle will be closely monitored, and any city deemed unsafe may face the possibility of having their games relocated.
Q: When is the draw for the World Cup scheduled to take place?
A: The draw for the World Cup is scheduled to take place on Dec. 5 in Washington, D.C.
