MWE Correspondent
Widespread rumors on TikTok claiming that FIFA will relocate 2026 World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico or Canada have been dismissed as false.
Investigations by major global media outlets reveal no credible evidence supporting the claim, which appears to have originated from viral misinformation on social media.
The rumor gained traction in early June 2025, after several TikTok creators shared videos suggesting that FIFA had responded to complaints from players, coaches, and fans who were reportedly unwilling to travel to the U.S. due to its immigration policies under former President Donald Trump. One video alone amassed over 1.5 million views, fueling confusion and speculation across platforms.
But a review by The Associated Press, CNN, Fox News, and The Washington Post revealed no official announcements from FIFA regarding such a decision. Independent checks through search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, and DuckDuckGo returned similar results—no credible source reported any change in hosting plans.
The fact-checking platform Snopes confirmed it reached out to FIFA’s communications team for an official statement. As of now, no response has indicated any intention to shift the games from U.S. soil. Experts say the spread of the rumor is a case of digitally manufactured misinformation, possibly using advanced AI tools to mimic real media content.
Political Backdrop and Official Reassurances
While the viral claim is inaccurate, it comes at a time when U.S. immigration policy is under global scrutiny. In March 2025, FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the White House and met with Trump. Following the meeting, FIFA reaffirmed the Trump administration’s support for both the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
A month later, Senator Ron Wyden from Oregon urged the administration to soften its visa policies ahead of the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He warned that overly strict travel regulations could deter international fans and participants.
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In early May 2025, NBC News reported that Cabinet officials, including Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, advised foreign visitors attending the tournament not to overstay their visas. Noem assured that her department would manage visa processing smoothly and emphasized that the U.S. would remain “a welcoming nation” for global sports fans.
FIFA’s Official Plans Remain Unchanged
Currently, FIFA’s official tournament schedule and venue list remain untouched. The U.S. is still slated to host matches in major cities including New York City, Miami, Houston, Atlanta, and San Francisco. Stadiums like MetLife Stadium and SoFi Stadium are expected to play central roles.
American sports executive Arthur Blank, owner of Atlanta United FC, recently told the Financial Times that President Trump could “play a constructive role” in ensuring the World Cup is successful, so long as policies are balanced and inclusive.
The claim that the U.S. is losing its World Cup hosting rights appears to be part of a broader trend of fabricated or exaggerated stories circulating through social media platforms. Analysts caution that misleading digital content—especially involving high-profile events—can go viral quickly and mislead large audiences.
