Los Angeles World Cup organizers dismiss Trump’s threats to move matches, citing strong support and readiness to host eight games in 2026.
LOS Angeles is not concerned about US President Donald Trump’s threats to move World Cup soccer matches away from Democratic-run host venues, the city’s tournament chief told AFP Friday.
Speaking moments before the tournament finals draw, Kathryn Schloessman said there was no doubt the eight World Cup matches scheduled to take place in the liberal Californian metropolis next summer will go ahead.
“We have a history of hosting major events, we know how to do it, and action is going to happen here in Los Angeles,” said Schloessman, CEO of the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee.
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“We’re not concerned about that.”
Republican president Trump has repeatedly spoken about the possibility of moving World Cup matches away from several Democratic-run cities for supposed security reasons.
Moving games would be an organizational nightmare for FIFA, not to mention the fans who have already booked flights and accommodation, and could meet legal obstacles due to host city contracts.
Los Angeles has also been a particular focus of the Trump administration’s immigration raids, creating a climate of fear, particularly among the city’s vast Latino communities.
Trump has deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles and other Democratic-run cities this year over the objections of local and state leaders, saying they are needed to counter crime and left-wing activism.
But Schloessman said the Trump administration “has been very supportive of our host committee — they understand what we need to do.”
“They understand that we need to produce a great event. They understand we need to produce a safe and secure event.”
Trump “is a sports guy — he’s very excited,” she added. – AFP
