Key Takeaways:
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place in the US, Canada, and Mexico, but there are calls for the US to be stripped of hosting duties due to President Donald Trump’s foreign policy and actions.
- A group of 23 politicians from four parties have signed a motion in parliament calling on international sporting bodies to consider expelling the US from major international competitions.
- The US has implemented travel and visa restrictions that may impact teams participating in the World Cup, including Haiti and Iran.
- A well-respected journalist has suggested that the UK could be a potential alternative host for the 2026 World Cup.
- The UK has not hosted the World Cup since 1966, but has hosted other major international football tournaments, including Euro 1996 and Euro 2020.
Introduction to the Controversy
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just 146 days away, but uncertainty remains over the competition and where it should take place. As things stand, the US, Canada, and Mexico are co-hosting the international football tournament between June and July of 2026. However, there have been some calls for the US to be stripped of hosting the tournament due to the political landscape and actions of President Donald Trump. The US foreign policy is just one controversial topic that may impact the tournament, with the country taking military action in several countries and implementing travel and visa restrictions that may affect participating teams.
The Impact of US Foreign Policy
Donald Trump’s foreign policy has come under fire in recent weeks, with the US taking military action in both Venezuela and Nigeria, while also suggesting operations could happen in Greenland, Mexico, Colombia, and Iran. This has prompted 23 politicians from four parties to sign a motion in parliament calling on international sporting bodies to consider expelling the US from major international competitions, including the World Cup. The group said that the event “should not be used to legitimise or normalise violations of international law by powerful states". The US has also implemented travel and visa restrictions, which may impact teams participating in the World Cup, including Haiti and Iran. In June 2025, Trump announced travel and visa restrictions to “protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors” before confirming citizens of 19 nations were no longer allowed to enter the US or travel to the nation was heavily restricted.
Calls for the US to be Stripped of Hosting Duties
The decision to implement travel and visa restrictions has drawn criticism from many, with former Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling offering his take on whether the US should be stripped of hosting duties. Replying to a post in which one user said it was “irresponsible” for FIFA to allow the United States to host the tournament, Stelling said: “Totally agree. They should look at alternatives like the UK, to be honest.” This suggestion has sparked debate about the potential for the UK to host the 2026 World Cup, with the country having a rich history of hosting major international football tournaments.
The UK as a Potential Alternative Host
The United Kingdom has not hosted the World Cup since 1966, when England beat West Germany 4-2 in the final at Wembley. However, the UK has hosted other major international football tournaments, including Euro 1996 and Euro 2020. The country is also set to host Euro 2028, along with the Republic of Ireland. The UK’s experience in hosting major international football tournaments makes it a potential alternative host for the 2026 World Cup, should the US be stripped of hosting duties. Colombia is the only nation that was due to host the World Cup (in 1986) but never ended up doing so, voluntarily withdrawing due to economic constraints rather than being stripped.
Conclusion and Future Implications
The controversy surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the US hosting duties is ongoing, with many calling for the country to be stripped of its hosting responsibilities. The implementation of travel and visa restrictions has sparked debate about the potential for the UK to host the tournament, with the country having a rich history of hosting major international football tournaments. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the US will be allowed to host the 2026 World Cup, or if an alternative host will be chosen. One thing is certain, however, and that is that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a highly anticipated and closely watched event, with the world’s best football teams competing for the coveted title.
