Los Angeles, a key host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, is facing fresh scrutiny as nationwide immigration crackdowns spark massive protests. With the city’s streets erupting in backlash against President Trump’s escalated immigration enforcement, concerns are growing about how this climate might affect preparations for two of the world’s biggest sporting events.
The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, with 48 nations competing in 104 matches. While early rounds will be spread across the three countries, all quarterfinals and beyond—including the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey—will be held in the U.S.
However, recent ICE raids, visa delays, and travel bans—some affecting countries that ..
At a recent event in New York, Meg Kane, CEO of the Philadelphia host committee, acknowledged that federal immigration actions have created “uncertainty” in planning. “We recognize that we’re planning within uncertainty… but the [Trump] administration has been extremely supportive of the World Cup,” she was quoted as saying by the Guardian. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the tournament’s global unifying potential.
Yet that reassurance hasn’t stopped speculation online. According to a Snopes fact-check, viral TikTok posts in June 2025 claimed that FIFA was considering relocating some U.S.-hosted matches to Mexico or Canada. The claim—unsupported by official statements—was based on user-generated content alleging FIFA had received widespread complaints from fans and teams unwilling to enter the U.S. under Trump-era immigration rules.
Snopes has not found evidence that FIFA is formally considering such a move, although it acknowledges the organization may be monitoring the situation closely.
