When it comes to orchestrating the biggest show on Earth, who truly gets the final say? That question hung in the air this past Wednesday as FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani delivered a clear message. He pushed back hard against comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the host cities for the 2026 World Cup. Montagliani made it plain: FIFA, not governments, calls the shots on these major decisions.
Trump had voiced concerns about some potential host cities. He doubted their ability to guarantee security for World Cup games. The tournament is set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Trump even suggested he might declare certain cities “unsafe.” He proposed changing the detailed plan FIFA had laid out back in 2022.
“The tournament belongs to FIFA. FIFA holds the jurisdiction, and FIFA is the one making these calls,” Montagliani stated firmly. He spoke at a sports business conference held in London on Wednesday. His words left no room for misunderstanding about where the authority lies.
Consider the sheer scale of the event. Eleven U.S. cities, three in Mexico, and two in Canada are under contract with FIFA. To alter these plans would create a massive headache. We’re talking huge logistical and legal problems. The competition kicks off on June 11, 2026, just eight months from now.
Montagliani, who is also a Canadian official and president of CONCACAF, the regional football body for North and Central America, emphasized a bigger picture. He believes sports transcend current political squabbles. “Football is larger than any current political debate,” he said.
He spoke with passion about the game’s enduring spirit. “With all due respect to today’s world leaders, football is bigger than them,” Montagliani explained. “It will outlast their rule, their government, and their catchy slogans. That’s the beauty of our sport. It’s greater than any single person, and bigger than any single country.”
Trump’s initial comments came as a response to a question. It was about World Cup cities that disagree with his crackdowns on immigration and crime. He had said if he felt a city wasn’t safe, he would move the games.
He even broadened his warning, mentioning the Los Angeles Olympics set for 2028. Any city “a bit dangerous” for either the World Cup or the Olympics would see its events relocated, Trump insisted. Still, he expressed hope that such a drastic step wouldn’t be necessary.