Will Los Angeles protests disrupt World Cup and Olympics? Is FIFA relocating matches to Mexico and Canada?
Los Angeles, a key city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics, faces scrutiny amid nationwide immigration protests against President Trump's policies. Concerns are rising about how these tensions might impact preparations for the sporting events. Despite official assurances and exemptions for athletes, visa delays and travel bans have sparked worries about discouraging international participation.
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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 recently qualified, such as Iran—have cast a shadow over the U.S. segment of the tournament. Critics argue the policies risk discouraging fans, players, and staff from traveling to the U.S., despite official exemptions for athletes and their immediate teams.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, though it acknowledges the organization may be monitoring the situation closely.While Los Angeles continues its preparations for both the World Cup and the Olympics, officials must now navigate not just the logistics of hosting—but also the optics of welcoming the world amid escalating political and social tensions.
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