U.S. Government to Assess Safety of 2026 World Cup Host Cities: FIFA’s Role and Responsibilities

Trump Claims U.S. Has Final Say on World Cup & Olympics Safety, Threatens Host City Changes

Oct 16, 2025, 05:34 AM ET – FIFA has conceded that the united States government holds the ultimate authority in determining the safety of host cities for the 2026 World Cup. This acknowledgement follows statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump asserting FIFA President Gianni Infantino would readily relocate matches from cities deemed unsafe at his request.

trump also indicated he would consider moving the 2028 Olympic Games from Los Angeles if he believed the city was inadequately prepared or unsafe. He specifically cited recent “street takeovers” in Boston as a potential cause for concern, suggesting FIFA would move matches if he intervened.

“If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there are unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni, the head of FIFA, whoS phenomenal, and I would say, ‘Let’s move it to another location,'” Trump told reporters. “and he would do that. He wouldn’t love to do it, but he’d do it very easily.”

FIFA responded with a statement emphasizing safety as the top priority, but clarifying that security ultimately falls under the purview of the U.S. government. “Safety and security are the top priorities at all FIFA events worldwide,” a spokesperson said. “Safety and security are obviously the governments’ duty and they decide what is in the best interest for public safety.”

The association expressed hope that all 16 host cities would be prepared to meet the necessary requirements.

Trump’s comments echo previous statements where he threatened to move World Cup matches from cities he considered “hazardous,” previously naming Seattle and San Francisco. He also suggested that moving the Olympics would require a different level of permission, but remained firm in his willingness to act if necessary.

This advancement comes as Infantino and Trump enjoy a close working relationship, recently appearing together at a middle East peace summit in Egypt. However, FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani asserted that “FIFA makes those decisions,” suggesting a potential point of contention despite FIFA’s acknowledgement of U.S. governmental authority on safety matters.

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What specific cybersecurity vulnerabilities related to ticketing, broadcasting, and security operations are being assessed by the DHS for the 2026 World Cup?

The Scope of the U.S. Safety Assessment

The United States government has announced a complete safety assessment of the 16 host cities selected for the 2026 FIFA world Cup,co-hosted with Canada and Mexico. This initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), comes amidst growing global concerns regarding large-scale event security, particularly following incidents at recent international sporting events.The assessment isn’t simply a formality; it’s a critical step in ensuring a safe and triumphant tournament. Key areas of focus include:

* Critical Infrastructure Protection: Evaluating the resilience of essential services like transportation, communication networks, and energy grids in each host city.

* Cybersecurity threats: Assessing vulnerabilities to cyberattacks targeting event infrastructure and data systems.This includes potential disruptions to ticketing, broadcasting, and security operations.

* Terrorism Prevention: Collaborating with local law enforcement and intelligence agencies to identify and mitigate potential terrorist threats.

* Crowd Management: Analyzing existing crowd control plans and identifying areas for enhancement to prevent incidents like stampedes or unrest.

* Emergency Medical Services: Reviewing the capacity of local hospitals and emergency response teams to handle mass casualty events.

FIFA’s Security Responsibilities: A Multi-Layered Approach

FIFA, the governing body of international football, bears significant responsibility for the safety and security of the World Cup. However, their role is not one of direct operational control within host nations. Instead,FIFA establishes a framework and provides guidance,working in close collaboration with host governments.

Here’s a breakdown of FIFA’s key security responsibilities:

1. Security Regulations: FIFA develops and enforces comprehensive security regulations that all host nations must adhere to. These regulations cover areas like stadium security, accreditation, and anti-doping measures.
2. Security Coordination: FIFA appoints a Security Director responsible for coordinating security efforts across all host countries. This involves regular meetings with government officials, law enforcement agencies, and private security providers.
3. Risk Assessment: FIFA conducts its own independant risk assessments to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities. These assessments are shared with host governments to inform their security planning.
4. Training and Capacity Building: FIFA provides training and resources to local security personnel to enhance their capabilities in areas like crowd management, counter-terrorism, and cybersecurity.
5. Details Sharing: Establishing secure communication channels for real-time information sharing between FIFA, host governments, and law enforcement agencies.

The U.S. Government’s Assessment Process: What to Expect

The DHS assessment will involve a multi-stage process, including:

* Site Visits: teams of security experts will conduct on-site visits to each host city to assess infrastructure, security protocols, and emergency response capabilities.

* Tabletop exercises: Simulated scenarios will be used to test the preparedness of local authorities to respond to various security threats.

* Data Analysis: DHS will analyze data from various sources, including intelligence reports, law enforcement databases, and social media monitoring, to identify potential risks.

* Collaboration with Local Authorities: The assessment will be conducted in close collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, emergency management officials, and other stakeholders.

* Report and Recommendations: DHS will issue a comprehensive report outlining its findings and providing recommendations for improving security measures.

Host City Preparedness: Examples and Challenges

several 2026 host cities have already begun proactive security preparations. For example:

* Dallas: Investing in enhanced surveillance technology and expanding the capacity of its emergency communication system.

* Atlanta: Conducting joint training exercises with federal law enforcement agencies to prepare for potential terrorist attacks.

* Los Angeles: Upgrading security infrastructure at SoFi Stadium, a key venue for the tournament.

However, challenges remain. These include:

* funding Constraints: Securing adequate funding for security measures can be a challenge for some host cities, particularly those with limited resources.

* Coordination Complexities: Coordinating security efforts across multiple jurisdictions and agencies can be complex and time-consuming.

* Evolving Threats: The threat landscape is constantly evolving, requiring ongoing vigilance and adaptation.

The Role of Private Security: Supplementing Public Resources

Private security firms will play a crucial role in supplementing public resources during the 2026 World Cup. These firms will be responsible for providing services such as:

* Stadium Security: Screening fans, controlling access to venues, and providing security patrols.

* perimeter Security: Securing the areas surrounding stadiums and other event venues.

* VIP Protection: Providing security for players, officials, and dignitaries.

* Cybersecurity: Protecting event infrastructure and data systems from cyberattacks.

Lessons Learned from Past World cups: Security Case Studies

Past World Cups offer valuable lessons in event security.

* Germany 2006: Demonstrated the effectiveness of a highly coordinated security operation involving multiple agencies and advanced technology.

* **Brazil 201