The tragic shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University this week has reignited a global debate: Is the United States truly a safe country to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The World Cup, set to be jointly staged in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, will be the largest tournament in football history, with 48 teams and matches spread across 16 cities.

But as the countdown to kickoff ticks closer, fans and observers are increasingly uneasy about Americas unique challenges,gun violence, political polarization, and strict border controls overshadowing the beautiful game.

A Nation in Mourning, a World in Doubt Disgraceful. “Imagine when the World Cup is here how would a visitor feel safe?” Tweeted former U.S. international Taylor Twellman after a previous mass shooting at the Kansas City Super Bowl parade. His words now ring louder than ever.

U.S Governors 

California Governor Gavin Newsom described the Kirk shooting as disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.

On the other hand, Utah Governor Spencer Cox called it a cowardly act of violence against freedom of expression. Yet beyond the politics, the fear among fans is palpable.

Fans Want World Cup Relocated 

On X, some supporters are urging FIFA to relocate the tournament altogether.

“We cannot have a World Cup in the USA after the Charlie Kirk incident,” wrote football fan Jean Paul Sciberras.

FIFA’s Balancing Act FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists the tournament will be safe and welcoming for everyone.

In 2024, the body launched updated stadium safety guidelines and rolled out a global learning platform for event security professionals.

Host cities have also pledged billions in security planning, from reinforced policing to surveillance technology. But critics say safety concerns extend far beyond stadium walls.

Amnesty International

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have warned that U.S. immigration and policing policies could make entry and movement difficult for thousands of fans.

A 2025 Amnesty report argued that growing attacks on rights and discriminatory laws risk excluding entire communities from the World Cup experience.

Football Lovers Dilemma 

Fans caught between passion and fear For supporters abroad, the issue is not just violence but perception.

“Imagine going to a football game with the fear of being shot at any moment. The 2026 World Cup CANNOT be hosted in America, “one fan wrote online.

Popular streamers echoed the mood: Hasan Abi told his audience,” America is so absolutely bad while fellow creator xQc called the Kirk shooting terrorism.

Plans to Avoid U.S Matches

Some fans have gone further, pledging to avoid U.S. matches in favor of fixtures in Canada or Mexico, citing unease over public safety in American cities.

The precedent question despite the rising anxiety, experts note that relocating a World Cup would be almost impossible. Stadiums, hotels, transportation, broadcasting rights, and sponsorships are already locked in.

History and What FIFA Can Do

FIFA has never stripped a host of the tournament so close to kickoff over domestic violence concerns.

Instead, organizers are expected to double down on assurances, tighten security, and attempt to calm public fears.

The road ahead The United States remains a nation of both immense opportunity and troubling volatility.

For FIFA, the challenge is to ensure that football not fear defines the 2026 World Cup.

But as each new incident of violence grabs global headlines, the question grows louder: Will fans feel safe enough to come?

A photo of the FIFA World Cup
Image/FIFA/X