What We Know
According to ESPN, on Friday, October 19, FIFA announced that the United States has final say on “determining the safety” of the 2026 World Cup’s host cities. The announcement walked back previous comments from FIFA which suggested the Trump administration had minor influence in moving the location of upcoming matches.
Trump’s argument for altering the lineup of host cities hinges on polarizing security policies and his ongoing confrontation of the “radical left.” When asked about Seattle and San Francisco, Trump referred to them as “run by radical left lunatics who don’t know what they’re doing.” In late September, his comments about FIFA host selections concluded with a suggestion about moving the 2028 Olympic Games, set to take place in Los Angeles.
The Redline: What You Need to Know
The U.S. government does not have any official authority over FIFA or Olympic host city selections, as FIFA and the International Olympic Committee ultimately hold those powers. If changes were to occur, both organizations would internally decide on moving event locations, which would face serious legal hurdles over existing contracts with local governments.
The primary motivation for the Trump administration to suggest relocations is his relationships with local leaders and alienation the Democratic party. Cities like Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Boston not only hold opposition governments, but also outspoken community leaders who have continually pressured Trump on issues like immigration and crime.
The timing of upcoming U.S. mega-events is politically significant. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off about four months before the midterm elections in November, when the Democrats aim to cut the Republican majority. The 2028 Summer Olympics will take place about three and a half months prior to the U.S. presidential election. The pageantry of these events could influence campaign strategies and the scheduling of party conventions. In both instances, economic stimulus and surges in nationalism may benefit incumbents as voters head to the polls; a factor the administration has likely considered.
By suggesting that blue cities will lose the opportunity to host major international sporting events, Trump is threatening the possible loss of major local economic stimulus. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar generated $7.57 billion in revenue, with massive streams originating from hospitality, transportation, and tourism. These industries pale in comparison to the revenues of broadcasting rights, marketing, and sponsorships; however, the hospitality sector creates the most tangible benefit for the locals. For instance, hotels and restaurants will be busy in host cities, so will the workers, who will take home more pay as a result.
Furthermore, international mega-events are a massive opportunity for host nations to utilize soft power. By promoting cultural exchange and immersion via tourism, events like the World Cup shape the way visitors think about the host government. Even if location selections don’t change, Trump’s characterization of host cities as crime ridden and generally unenjoyable could impact the decision of travelers to visit the U.S. Therefore, threatening turnout and international perception of American cities.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions and broader immigration policies could also affect event attendance. Stringent visa and entry requirements may deter international visitors via a long application process, high payments, among other bureaucratic bulwarks. Currently, the U.S. has a travel ban on 12 countries, which does not include major World Cup teams. The list does, however, include states whose athletes and fans would like to attend the 2028 Olympics.
Perhaps the most important aspect of ICE and current U.S. immigration postures is fear. While most nationals will be able to visit, recent ICE arrests and Trump’s war on Venezuelan cartels are major factors for Latin American tourists. Out of fear they may be detained, or at the least the victim of an insensitive comment from a rowdy American, it is not unreasonable to expect a number of tourists will decide to watch the World Cup from the comfort of their home rather than visit the United States.
There is a precedent when it comes to ICE presence and World Cup security. During the summer’s Club World Cup – an event an international men’s soccer competition organized by FIFA – security presence was high, including announcements from ICE regarding response readiness. In a post on the social media platform X, ICE announced they were “suited and booted ready to provide security for the first round of games” in Miami. Despite the fact the post was quickly deleted, the message was clear: travelers should exercise care when visiting American cities.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the Trump administration’s unusually interventionist role in event planning demands close attention. Beyond his personal motivations surrounding the relocation of host cities, broader immigration policies and enforcement frameworks are poised to impact attendance. This poses risks not only to the economic benefits but also to the diplomatic opportunities that hosting such a high-profile international event normally generates.
Moreover, the government’s approach to the World Cup is setting a critical precedent for the 2028 Olympic Games regarding federal involvement in mega-events. Ultimately, the success of upcoming U.S. mega-events will depend on balancing security concerns with a welcoming atmosphere that ensures broad participation and international goodwill.
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