Is FIFA Relocating the World Cup from the U.S. Due to Trump's Policies?

The Spread of a Rumor About the 2026 World Cup

In July 2025, social media platforms became a hub for a widely shared rumor that FIFA, the international governing body of soccer, was considering moving matches from the 2026 World Cup away from the United States. According to the claim, some games originally scheduled to be held in 11 U.S. stadiums—where the majority of the tournament’s 104 matches were set to take place—might instead be relocated to Canada.

The rumor gained traction across multiple platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and X. Some posts suggested that FIFA was exploring this possibility due to concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. However, after thorough checks on major search engines such as Bing, DuckDuckGo, Google, and Yahoo, as well as news outlets like The Associated Press, CNN, Fox News, and The Washington Post, no credible reports confirmed that FIFA had considered or planned to move any matches outside the U.S.

This incident is part of a broader trend where users have shared false or unverified information, sometimes using artificial intelligence tools to create misleading content. To address the claim, DISCOVER TREND reached out to FIFA's media relations team for clarification and will update this article with further details as they become available.

The 2026 World Cup and U.S. Politics

While the specific rumor about relocating the World Cup did not hold up, there has been significant discussion around the impact of U.S. policies on the event. In March 2025, FIFA President Gianni Infantino met with Trump at the White House, where the U.S. president reaffirmed his support for both the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup.

Later in April, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, urged the Trump administration to reconsider certain immigration policies that could affect travelers attending the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This concern was echoed by reports highlighting long visa appointment wait times and travel advisories issued by European countries for the U.S.

In early May, NBC News reported that members of Trump’s Cabinet warned World Cup visitors not to overstay their visas. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that the U.S. would ensure smooth travel for fans, stating, “We will take care of their documentation and travel documents, and it will go smoothly.”

On May 13, Politico reported that Human Rights Watch sent a letter to FIFA President Infantino, expressing "grave concerns" about Trump’s immigration policies and urging him to consider the safety of fans and players if necessary. Other reports highlighted the potential challenges posed by these policies.

Two days later, Reuters reported that Infantino reassured fans that “the world is welcome in America,” referencing the upcoming 2025 and 2026 tournaments. In July, Infantino thanked Trump for making the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup a success, which is a separate event from the World Cup.

Travel Policies and Exemptions

Trump’s travel ban, which targets 12 countries and adds restrictions on others, includes exceptions for athletes and officials traveling for major sporting events such as the World Cup and Olympics. These exemptions are intended to ensure that participants can enter the U.S. without unnecessary barriers.

Despite these measures, concerns about the impact of U.S. immigration policies on international visitors have persisted. Reports have also covered the challenges faced by travelers, including lengthy visa processing times and the need for clear communication between authorities and attendees.

Ongoing Discussions and Concerns

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, discussions around its hosting continue to evolve. While the initial rumor about relocation proved unfounded, the broader conversation about how the U.S. will manage the influx of international visitors remains relevant. The involvement of high-profile figures like Trump and FIFA leaders underscores the significance of the event and the importance of addressing concerns related to travel and security.

FIFA and U.S. officials have consistently emphasized the country’s commitment to welcoming fans and ensuring a positive experience for all participants. However, ongoing dialogue and transparency will be essential in maintaining trust and confidence in the tournament’s organization.