Fact Check: Is FIFA relocating 2026 World Cup games from US to Canada over Trump’s immigration policies?

WASHINGTON, DC: A viral rumor on social media has claimed that FIFA is shifting 2026 World Cup matches from the United States to Canada in response to President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies.

While eleven US stadiums are set to host the bulk of the tournament, online posts suggest that the international soccer body is reconsidering venue plans due to mounting concerns over immigration restrictions.

Claim: FIFA is considering relocating US matches to Canada in soccer World Cup

Starting in June and continuing through July 2025, a rumor has circulated widely on social media claiming that FIFA is considering moving some 2026 World Cup games from the United States to Canada.

The United States is scheduled to host the majority of the tournament’s 104 matches across 11 stadiums, but viral posts suggest that concerns over President Donald Trump’s immigration policies are prompting FIFA to reconsider its plans.

On platforms like X and Facebook, users have shared posts alleging that the international soccer governing body is exploring possible venue changes. One Facebook post by a user named Canada Lover stated, “FIFA may move 2026 , World Cup Games from US to Canada over Immigration concerns #ExploreCanada #canadalife #canada #canadavisa."

The rumor gained traction across other platforms as well, including Instagram and Threads. A post on X claimed FIFA was responding to US immigration concerns and suggested that the organization was pulling games from the US.

The Facebook post attracted numerous views and comments, with many users expressing support for the idea. One user commented, “Great idea, up yours Trump.” Another said, “They should move the games to Canada,” while someone else wrote, “It needs to happen, FIFA.”

Fact Check: False, there is no report of FIFA shifting 2026 World Cup matches from the US to Canada

To verify the accuracy of the rumor, the fact checking website Snopes searched several reputable news sources, including Yahoo News, Fox News, and The Washington Post. None of these outlets reported that FIFA had canceled or was considering relocating any 2026 World Cup matches currently scheduled to be held in the United States.

This rumor appears to be the latest example of misinformation amplified through the use of artificial intelligence tools. While online searches did uncover some relevant coverage about Trump’s immigration policies and the upcoming tournament, no credible reports confirmed that FIFA planned to shift US-hosted games to Canada or Mexico.

The online rumor came after FIFA President Gianni Infantino met with Donald Trump at the White House, where Trump reaffirmed his support for both the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup.

In early May, NBC News reported that members of Trump’s Cabinet had issued warnings to World Cup visitors, urging them not to overstay their visas. Despite these concerns, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the tournament as “an opportunity for the world to become a friendlier place,” assuring that the US would handle all documentation and travel logistics smoothly.

Additionally, on May 13, Politico reported on a letter sent by Human Rights Watch to Infantino. The organization expressed “grave concerns” over Trump’s immigration stance and urged FIFA to reconsider its hosting arrangements if the safety of fans and players could not be ensured.

Other reports noted challenges such as long visa wait times and travel advisories issued by some European countries warning visitors about traveling to the US

In July, Infantino publicly thanked Trump for helping make the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup "a huge success."

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