Donald Trump has stated that FIFA President Gianni Infantino would "very easily" move 2026 World Cup matches from U.S. cities if he requested it, citing safety concerns. These comments, made on Tuesday, follow Trump's previous remarks in September about potentially relocating games from cities run by Democrats. At that time, FIFA clarified that the decision regarding host cities rests with the football governing body.

Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House, asserted, "If somebody is doing a bad job and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni, the head of FIFA, who's phenomenal, and I would say, let's move it to another location. And he would do that,". He added, "Very easily he would do it".

The former president also suggested he could move events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics if necessary, stating, "I could say the same thing for the Olympics. If I thought LA was not going to be prepared properly, I would move it to another location".

Trump's recent comments came after he met with Infantino in Egypt at a summit focused on a Gaza ceasefire, where the FIFA president joined numerous world leaders discussing Middle East peace. Trump also appointed himself as chairman of a White House task force for the World Cup.

Previously, Trump mentioned Seattle and San Francisco as cities that might be considered "dangerous". More recently, he claimed there had been "street takeovers" in Boston. He also said regarding Boston, "Their mayor is not good … she's radical left, and they're taking over parts of Boston. That's a pretty big statement, right?".

Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts is slated to host seven matches in the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA Vice-President Victor Montagliani addressed Trump's initial threat to move matches earlier in the month, stating, "FIFA makes those decisions". Montagliani added, "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".

FIFA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have been contacted for comment regarding Trump's latest remarks.

Infantino and Trump have fostered a close relationship. Infantino attended Trump's inauguration in Washington D.C., and has been present at multiple events at the Oval Office. Trump was also invited by Infantino to present the Club World Cup trophy to Chelsea after the final.