FIFA VP Stresses Only FIFA Can Decide On Host Venues

‎FIFA’s vice president clarified that only soccer’s global governing body has the authority to decide whether 2026 World Cup matches will be moved from host cities.

‎His statement came in response to remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump on September 25. The tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

‎It is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, with Trump specifically questioned about games in Seattle and San Francisco.

‎”Well, that’s an interesting question … but we’re going to make sure they’re safe,” he said.

‎”(Seattle and San Francisco are) run by radical left lunatics who don’t know what they’re doing.

‎”If I think it’s not safe, we’re going to move it out of that city. So if any city we think is going to be even a little bit dangerous for the World Cup, or for the (2028) Olympics … 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.”

‎Six matches are scheduled to be played at Seattle’s Lumen Field and six are set for Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., about an hour’s drive from San Francisco.

‎Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, and New York/New Jersey (East Rutherford) are also host cities in the United States.

‎Victor Montagliani, the organization’s vice president, said during a conference in London on Wednesday that FIFA determines game sites.

‎”It’s FIFA’s tournament, FIFA’s jurisdiction, FIFA makes those decisions,” Montagliani said.

‎”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. That’s the beauty of our game, that it is bigger than any individual and bigger than any country.”

‎FIFA set its World Cup host city plan in 2022 and confirmed specific match assignments in February 2024, including the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

‎Altering those plans would trigger major logistical and legal complications. Such challenges are heightened because FIFA relies on local and national governments for support with areas like visa processing and security.

‎Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, has publicly appeared with Trump numerous times as the organization has developed a closer relationship, including establishing an office in Trump Tower in New York.

‎The final draw for the 2026 World Cup, which will include 48 teams, is scheduled for December 5 at Washington’s Kennedy Center, after Trump assumed the role of board chairman.