Montagliani: FIFA will not bow to Trump as 2026 World Cup challenges mount | OneFootball

FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani insists world football’s governing body will not be dictated to by politicians as planning intensifies for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

U.S. president Donald Trump recently suggested matches could be moved away from certain cities for political reasons, but Montagliani stressed such decisions remain solely in FIFA’s hands.

“At the end of the day, it’s FIFA’s tournament,” he said. “FIFA makes those decisions. Even in the early days of deciding on venues, it was our decision based on the standards, not politics. If matches are moved between cities, it is ultimately FIFA’s jurisdiction – no one else’s.”

One of the biggest talking points ahead of the first 48-team World Cup is when games will kick off. With matches spread across vast North American time zones, European broadcasters are lobbying for prime slots to suit fans in England and elsewhere.

Montagliani, speaking at the Leaders sports summit at Twickenham stadium, admitted compromise will be needed.

“We’re in conversations daily with media partners,” he explained. “Will every game be perfect from a TV perspective? Probably not. But stadium conditions, weather and fan welfare all have to be factored in. It’s not just about television.”

The Canadian official also pointed to climate challenges: “Summers are hot in the U.S. and Canada. We have to be sensible about when games can be played safely.”

The expanded Club World Cup staged in the U.S. this summer offered a glimpse of what lies ahead and raised logistical concerns. Fans struggled with transport to remote as well as major city stadiums, while some players and coaches complained about the state of the pitches.

Montagliani downplayed the criticism. “Comparing the Club World Cup with the World Cup is apples and oranges,” he said. “The Club World Cup was put together quickly, without the kind of city agreements and transport guarantees required for the World Cup. For 2026, public transport and infrastructure plans are much more robust.”

Both FIFA’s flagship tournaments could yet change in size. The World Cup expands to 48 teams in 2026, but proposals to go further have already surfaced.

Montagliani remains cautious: “We haven’t even kicked off 48 yet,” he said. “Talk of 64 teams means 128 matches and possibly an eight-week tournament. That would raise big questions about player fatigue, scheduling and kick-off clashes. We need to study the impact, not just the desire for more games.”

On the Club World Cup, he was more open to tweaks.

“It’s worth reviewing the format,” he said. “Perhaps the number of teams, or how many clubs from each country qualify. But it has to be based on merit, not history.”

Another thorny issue is the future of Israel within international football amid calls for suspension from organisations including Amnesty International. Montagliani insisted the matter lies first with UEFA.

“Israel is a UEFA member and it’s their process to deal with,” he said. “Of course there’s communication between FIFA and UEFA, but our fiduciary duty is to our members. Until a concrete decision is put before FIFA Council, it remains with UEFA.”

With 16 host cities, 48 teams, vast distances and huge global demand, the 2026 World Cup will be the most complex tournament FIFA has ever staged. Montagliani remains confident, however, that the lessons learned and FIFA’s ultimate authority will ensure its success.

“It’s about making sure venues, transport and schedules work for fans, players and broadcasters,” he said. “There are challenges, yes, but the planning is already there. And let’s be clear decisions about this World Cup will be made by FIFA, not by politicians.”