Seattle leaders push back against President Trump’s safety concerns over hosting World Cup matches in 2026, emphasizing their commitment to event security.
Seattle is slated to host six World Cup matches at Lumen Field in the summer of 2026, an event expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe. But during a Thursday press conference, President Trump said games could be moved if he deems a city unsafe.
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“If I think it’s not safe, we’re going to move it out of that city,” Trump said.
Pressed specifically on Seattle and San Francisco — two Democratic-led host cities — the president criticized their leadership. “We’re going to make sure that they’re safe,” Trump said. “They’re run by radical left lunatics that don’t know what they’re doing.”
While Trump later added that he hopes he doesn’t have to shift host cities, it remains unclear if he has any authority to make such a decision. FIFA, not the U.S. government, controls the tournament’s host sites.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson took to X responding to President Trump’s remarks saying: “More threats and misinformation from President Trump. Seattle will be an excellent host for the World Cup. My team has been working hard with the city of Seattle and our partners to make sure we’re one of the best regions to host these games. We’re excited to share our city and our state with the world.”
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell called the president’s comments out of touch. “President Trump continues to display his ignorance about our city,” Harrell said. “We are doing the hard work to prepare for this once-in-a-generation opportunity to welcome the world to Seattle.”
The mayor noted that violent crime in Seattle has fallen 20 percent this year and that the city has hired nearly 130 new police officers.
Organizers for Seattle’s World Cup events stressed that safety planning has been underway since the city was chosen as a host. Hana Tadesse, a spokesperson for Seattle FIFA World Cup 26, said in a statement that the city is “committed to ensuring a safe, welcoming, and memorable experience for fans, players, visitors, and residents alike.”
She added that FIFA, local law enforcement, the White House Task Force for FIFA World Cup 26, and community partners are all working together. “Seattle looks forward to shining on the world stage and hosting an event that is not only spectacular, but safe for all,” Tadesse said.
The president’s remarks sparked frustration among Seattle’s soccer community. Daniel Pagard, owner of the longtime Fremont soccer pub George & Dragon, said the comments only add to existing uncertainty.
“Businesses are already uncertain or having a tough time like we are right now — it feels like somebody just throwing more wood on the fire,” he said. “How do you get to the next World Cup, much less get through the World Cup?”
Seattle is one of 16 U.S. host cities preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
