Former President Donald Trump recently floated the idea of moving FIFA World Cup 2026 matches away from cities he deems to be unsafe — and named Atlanta among those that could be affected. FOX 5 Atlanta
What He Said & Reaction
Trump told reporters that if a host city becomes dangerous, the games scheduled there should be moved elsewhere. He framed it as a security measure:
“Any city we think is going to be a little bit dangerous for the World Cup … we won’t allow it to go. We’ll move it around a little bit.” FOX 5 Atlanta
Still, experts caution that such a shift would be complicated. Contracts with FIFA and logistical commitments make such changes unlikely, according to analysts. FOX 5 Atlanta
Atlanta’s Role as Host City
Atlanta is one of eleven U.S. cities lined up to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. FOX 5 Atlanta The city has already invested in planning and infrastructure upgrades in preparation for the global event. FOX 5 Atlanta
While no formal statement has been made by city leaders, the possibility of relocation injects uncertainty into the months of preparation ahead. FOX 5 Atlanta
Key Takeaways & What’s Next
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Trump has publicly tied venue security to potential relocation decisions, putting pressure on cities with perceived safety concerns. FOX 5 Atlanta
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But the idea of shifting games faces strong legal and contractual obstacles due to FIFA’s binding agreements with host cities. FOX 5 Atlanta
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Atlanta’s upgrades and preparations may already be well underway, raising the stakes if any change is seriously considered. FOX 5 Atlanta
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Whether any formal move will be pursued or if Trump’s remarks remain rhetorical is still unknown.
(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
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