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President Donald Trump has threatened to pull the World Cup from left-leaning host cities that he believes are unsafe.
Speaking with reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump was asked about the World Cup going to Seattle and San Francisco, two democratic strongholds.
“If I think it’s not safe, we’re going to move it out of that city,” Trump said. “If any city we think is going to be even a little bit dangerous for the World Cup, or for the Olympics, but for the World Cup in particular, because they’re playing in so many cities, we won’t allow it to go. We’ll move it around a little bit. But I hope that’s not going to happen.”
The Trump administration has vowed to lower crime in cities. Trump unleashed the National Guard and other federal agents on Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, and signed a memorandum saying he would do the same in Memphis. He’s also threatened other cities including Chicago and Baltimore. Local leaders across the country have opposed the moves and in California’s case, even sued the administration over the deployments.
FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The U.S. will hold the majority of World Cup matches next summer, including the Final, as part of shared hosting duties with Mexico and Canada. FIFA selected 11 U.S. cities to host matches: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, L.A., Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle, and the San Francisco Bay Area. The tournament will play its first game on U.S. soil in L.A. and close in New Jersey. L.A. is also hosting the 2028 Olympics.
It’s unclear whether Trump has the authority to make changes to the tournament, but it’s evident that he has a close relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The soccer leader and Trump have traveled on official government trips to the Middle East, brought Juventus to the Oval Office, and stood with Chelsea as they were presented the Club World Cup trophy. FIFA this year opened an office in Trump Tower in New York.
The relationship could be further tested by the question of the Israeli national team’s efforts to make the World Cup. Trump has backed Israel in its military efforts despite growing public pressure, including an inquiry commissioned by the U.N. last week that said the country is carrying out genocide in Gaza. This week, UEFA reportedly moved toward a vote to suspend Israel from competition, including World Cup qualification. FIFA has yet to support or condemn the move, but the Trump administration has made its stance clear.
“The United States rejects attempts to exclude Israel from sporting competitions,” a State Department spokesperson said in a statement to Front Office Sports.
