Donald Trump warns World Cup games may be moved from ‘dangerous’ cities | World Cup 2026

Donald Trump has warned that he will move matches from next summer’s World Cup away from host cities he deems to be dangerous.

The US president said he was going to make sure San Francisco and Seattle were safe, adding that the cities were “run by radical left lunatics who don’t know what they’re doing”. Seattle’s Lumen Field is due to host six matches at the finals, with Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara – an hour away from San Francisco – doing likewise.

Trump has again threatened to send federal troops into Chicago, having done so in Los Angeles and Washington DC. He pledged that Chicago would be made safe for the World Cup. The city is not hosting games.

“If any city we think is going to be even a little bit dangerous for the World Cup … because they’re playing in so many cities, we won’t allow it,” said the 79-year-old. “We’ll move it around a little bit. But I hope that’s not going to happen.”

The draw for the World Cup – which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico – takes place in Washington DC on 5 December.