President Trump has ignited controversy by suggesting that some 2026 FIFA World Cup matches could be relocated from their current host cities.
The president did not mention specific cities, but he has previously criticized Atlanta, which is scheduled to host eight World Cup matches, calling it a “Democrat-run hub for crime,” according to Fox 5 Atlanta.
Brian Kemp’s office quickly pushed back, saying in a statement that “state, local and federal officials have been coordinating to ensure the safety of World Cup matches for almost two years now.”
FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani also responded during an onstage interview at a sports business conference in London.
“With all due respect to current world leaders, football is bigger than them and football will survive their regime and their government and their slogans,” Montagliani said. “That’s the beauty of our game. It is bigger than any individual and bigger than any country.”
While cooperation from the U.S. federal government is important when hosting a World Cup, the authority to move matches belongs entirely to FIFA, not the president.
According to Tom Smith, Professor of Economics at Emory University, any attempt by Trump to move matches would be “unprecedented and impossible.”
“These cities signed memorandums of understanding years ago to make sure processes were in place,” he added.
Some analysts believe Trump’s comments are aimed at promoting his domestic policies, including the recent National Guard deployment to Washington, to address what he has called a “crime epidemic.”
However, crime rates have declined in recent years, suggesting his remarks are more political than practical.
Trump’s comments have added a layer of political tension to what is intended to be a globally unifying event.
As FIFA and host cities continue preparations, organizers hope the 2026 World Cup will highlight the spirit of soccer and rise above political agendas inside of the U.S.
