As the countdown to the 98th Academy Awards ends, a much bigger drama is unfolding in the world of sports. Just three months before the kick-off of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the question on everyone’s lips is: Can FIFA strip the United States of its hosting duties?

The Core of the Conflict: The 2026 edition is set to be the largest in history, co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. However, recent geopolitical escalations between the US and Iran have pushed FIFA into a corner. Following the assassination of Iran’s top leader, Tehran has signaled a potential withdrawal, citing safety concerns for its players on US soil. President Donald Trump’s rhetoric regarding the safety of Iranian athletes and his threats to move games from certain “Democrat-led” cities like Seattle and San Francisco have only added fuel to the fire.

FIFA’s Potential Strategy: According to FIFA’s Article 6.9, the governing body has the ultimate authority to relocate matches for security reasons or ‘force majeure.’ While moving the entire 104-match tournament away from the US is logistically daunting, there is a growing possibility that specific matches—particularly those involving sensitive nations—could be shifted to neutral venues in Canada or Mexico.

Current Status: As of March 15, 2026, the official schedule remains intact, with the final set for New York-New Jersey on July 19. However, the ongoing friction between the White House and FIFA headquarters in Zurich suggests that the road to June 11 will be anything but smooth. Fans are bracing for a last-minute shuffle as diplomacy and sports continue their high-stakes battle.c