Calls are growing for FIFA to consider relocating the 2026 FIFA World Cup from the United States to the United Kingdom amid rising political, diplomatic, and security concerns linked to the administration of President Donald Trump.
The tournament is scheduled to take place in June and July 2026 and is set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Under the current plan, the United States will stage the majority of the matches, including the final, which is due to be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
However, with the tournament now less than five months away, uncertainty continues to surround the US’s role as a host nation. A prominent journalist, alongside several politicians and public figures, has urged FIFA to reassess the hosting arrangements, citing concerns that recent US foreign and domestic policies could undermine the inclusive and global spirit of the World Cup.
Of the 104 matches scheduled for the expanded tournament, 78 are expected to be held across 11 American cities: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle, and San Francisco. Critics argue that the concentration of games in the US heightens the risks posed by the country’s current political climate.
Opposition to the US hosting the tournament has intensified following a series of controversial foreign policy actions and diplomatic disputes attributed to President Trump’s administration. These include reported military operations in Venezuela and Nigeria, as well as threats of potential actions involving Greenland, Mexico, Colombia, and Iran. Critics say such developments conflict with the values of international cooperation and unity that the World Cup is meant to represent.
The issue has also gained political traction in the United Kingdom. A total of 23 Members of Parliament from the Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, Green Party, and Plaid Cymru have signed a parliamentary motion calling on international sporting bodies to consider excluding the United States from major global competitions, including the World Cup. The motion states that international tournaments “should not be used to legitimise or normalise violations of international law by powerful states.”
Concerns have been further amplified by recent US immigration and travel policies. In June 2025, President Trump announced new visa restrictions affecting citizens from 19 countries, including Haiti and Iran—both of which have since qualified for the 2026 World Cup. More recently, the administration announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, a measure set to take effect on January 21, 2026.
These restrictions have raised fears that players, officials, and supporters may be unable to enter the United States for the tournament. Former Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling is among the public figures who have publicly urged FIFA to consider relocating the event, proposing the United Kingdom as a viable alternative host.
England last hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1966, winning the tournament at Wembley Stadium. Since then, the UK has successfully hosted Euro 1996, several matches during Euro 2020, and is scheduled to co-host Euro 2028 alongside the Republic of Ireland. Supporters of a potential UK bid argue that the country’s infrastructure and experience make it well placed to step in if FIFA decides to alter the hosting plan.
Historically, only one World Cup has been relocated after an initial host was confirmed. Colombia withdrew from hosting the 1986 tournament due to economic difficulties, prompting FIFA to award the event to Mexico.
As pressure mounts from journalists, politicians, and former broadcasters, FIFA faces increasing scrutiny over whether the current hosting arrangements for the 2026 World Cup remain viable in light of ongoing political and security concerns in the United States.
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