The World Cup Hosting Debate
A recurring question is whether the Trump administration can actually prevent certain cities from hosting the World Cup.
This week, President Trump emphasized his earlier warning that cities considered “unsafe” might lose the chance to hold World Cup events.
Currently, Boston and Los Angeles—where the 2028 Summer Olympics will also take place—are at the forefront of this discussion. However, FIFA officials stated recently that neither the President nor his administration possess the authority to remove events from these cities.
Victor Montagliani, FIFA’s vice president, made it clear at a conference in London that this tournament falls under FIFA’s jurisdiction. “FIFA makes those decisions,” he noted.
Diving a bit deeper, FIFA has designated 11 U.S. cities for the 2024 World Cup and even established satellite offices in these locations to manage logistics, transportation, volunteer services, and fan festivals planned around the event.
Shifting things around at this point would disrupt years of meticulous planning. And with the FIFA World Cup draw coming up on December 5, the timing is particularly sensitive.
This leads to three key points regarding how last-minute changes could negatively impact everyone involved—organizers, players, and fans.
New York is set to host the World Cup semi-finals and finals, potentially generating up to $3.3 billion in economic benefits from tourism, travel, and lodging—an investment from now until the finals.
Los Angeles is also crucial in this mix, expected to produce an estimated $594 million in economic uplift for the city after accounting for its game schedule. Losing hosting rights could be a significant blow to these cities.
If any changes occur post-draw, it could mean a logistical nightmare, affecting flights, hotels, and equipment transport. Generally, logistics and equipment teams head out weeks ahead of time to set everything up. Adjustments at that stage would add a lot of unnecessary stress for teams and federations.
Imagine the frantic scrambling to get everything in line—a situation that nobody wants to deal with.
In addition to the organizational chaos, FIFA’s ticketing system adds layers of complexity. Consumers may face confusion over ticket validity if they bought them for local games, only to find out they’re redirected to a different city altogether. Just picture someone from Boston, paying a premium to attend a game at Gillette Stadium, only to be told their ticket is now usable in Phoenix.
Also, it’s not just a simple drive anymore; for some, it’s a flight across the country. This twist might seem absurd, but it’s a possibility that looms large.
Ultimately, there may be some hope for cities that face this potential upheaval. Longstanding relationships between FIFA and political leaders—such as President Trump—could sway decisions. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has indeed made frequent visits to the White House and seems to hold some influence in this discussion.
