The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is in full swing, but the world’s biggest sporting event is already caught up in a political storm. In a series of high-profile statements, U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that some American cities slated to host World Cup matches might be deemed “unsafe,” raising the possibility of relocating games just months before the tournament kicks off. This has sparked a flurry of responses from local officials, FIFA executives, and international observers, all eager to clarify who truly calls the shots when it comes to the world’s most-watched football spectacle.
At the center of the debate is FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani, who addressed the issue directly during a sports business conference in London on October 1, 2025. “This is the FIFA tournament, FIFA jurisdiction, FIFA that made the decision,” Montagliani declared, firmly asserting the governing body’s authority over the selection of host cities. “With all due respect to today's world leaders, football is bigger than them and football will survive under their regimes, government, and slogans.” According to Montagliani, “That’s the beauty of our game, which is bigger than any individual and bigger than any country.”
The controversy began when President Trump, responding to questions about the upcoming tournament, floated the idea of moving matches away from cities that oppose his administration’s crackdowns on immigration and crime. “If I don't think it's safe, we'll move it. Any city that will be a little dangerous for the World Cup, we'll move a little,” Trump said from the Oval Room, though he added, “I hope that won't happen.” His comments specifically referenced cities like Seattle and San Francisco, both of which have been outspoken in their opposition to certain federal policies.
Trump’s remarks sent shockwaves through the eleven U.S. cities contracted by FIFA to host matches, as well as the three Mexican and two Canadian cities also on the schedule. Among the American venues is Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which is slated to host eight World Cup games. Local leaders were quick to reassure fans and FIFA alike. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens both pushed back against the president’s statements, insisting that the tournament’s security in Atlanta is not in doubt. Their message was clear: Atlanta is ready and willing to welcome the world, regardless of political headwinds.
The logistical and legal hurdles involved in changing venues at this late stage are immense. The 2026 World Cup is set to feature a record 48 teams and 104 matches, running from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Planning for such a massive event began years ago, with FIFA confirming its host city selections back in 2022. Any attempt to alter those plans now would require renegotiating contracts, reworking travel and accommodation logistics, and potentially facing legal challenges from cities and sponsors. As FIFA officials have repeatedly emphasized, the organization—not any national government—holds the final say.
Adding another layer of complexity, the World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics both depend on the host country’s government to provide hundreds of millions of dollars in security, visa processing, and law enforcement support. While FIFA’s authority over match locations is clear, the need for cooperation at all levels of government remains crucial. Trump’s close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino—who is a frequent visitor to the White House—has not yet led to any public comment from Infantino on the matter. For now, all eyes are on FIFA’s leadership to maintain stability and keep the tournament on track.
Montagliani’s remarks in London were not limited to the U.S. political drama. He also addressed another contentious issue: the potential suspension of Israel from international tournaments. Calls for such a move have grown louder in recent weeks, with eight United Nations experts urging FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel’s national team in response to alleged genocide in the occupied Palestinian territories. The U.S. State Department quickly responded, stating it would oppose any attempt to bar Israel from the 2026 World Cup.
Montagliani was unequivocal about the limits of FIFA’s jurisdiction in this matter. “First of all, Israel is a member of the UEFA, and there is no difference if I have to deal with members of my own territory,” he explained. “That's UEFA's decision. Israel is their member. They have to deal with it. I respect not only the process, but also their decision.” With the FIFA Board—comprising 37 members, including eight from UEFA—scheduled to meet in Zurich on October 2, 2025, Montagliani confirmed that Israel’s participation in the World Cup qualifiers would not be on the agenda, reaffirming that such deliberations rest solely with UEFA.
Meanwhile, the practicalities of hosting a summer tournament in North America are also under review. Scheduling games to account for intense summer heat is a logistical challenge FIFA is keenly aware of, particularly in cities like Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles. As preparations accelerate, organizers are working closely with local authorities and stadium operators to ensure player safety and fan comfort, regardless of any political distractions.
For fans, the prospect of last-minute venue changes is unsettling, but FIFA’s message remains consistent: the 2026 World Cup will proceed as planned, with all contracted host cities—including Atlanta—still firmly in the mix. As Montagliani put it, “Football is bigger than political rhetoric and individual leaders.” The sport’s enduring appeal, he suggests, lies in its ability to transcend political boundaries and unite people from around the globe.
So, as the world looks ahead to the summer of 2026, the focus remains on the pitch, not the podium. While political wrangling may dominate headlines for now, the beautiful game is set to shine through, proving once again that football’s spirit is bigger than any one country, leader, or controversy. With kickoff just months away, anticipation is building, and the world’s eyes are turning to North America for a tournament that promises to make history—no matter where the matches are played.
For now, FIFA’s stance is clear, and preparations continue in earnest across all host cities. The world’s greatest footballers will gather, the fans will pour in, and the games will go on—right where they were meant to be.
