FIFA is under mounting scrutiny following renewed concerns about security in the United States after the tragic shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The 31-year-old was fatally shot while responding to a question about gun violence during a public appearance at Utah Valley University.
Despite being rushed to hospital, Kirk was pronounced dead, with US President Donald Trump confirming the news shortly after.
The incident has sparked widespread debate over whether the US can guarantee safety during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which it is set to co-host alongside Canada and Mexico.
Calls from fans on social media have grown louder, with some demanding FIFA strip the US of hosting rights. They cited the country’s worsening gun violence crisis.
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Safety fears and global reactions
The tragedy comes against the backdrop of escalating political violence in America. Trump himself survived an assassination attempt in July, while another alleged attempt at his Florida golf course followed months later.
Data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed nearly 47,000 gun-related deaths in the US in 2023.
Fans across the world are voicing apprehension. Many argue that hosting the World Cup in the US, where mass shootings and politically motivated violence continue to dominate headlines, poses an unacceptable risk. FIFA has yet to show any signs of changing course but has emphasised that safety remains its top priority.
FIFA’s position and precedents
Despite the pressure, FIFA insists it is working closely with federal, state, and local authorities to guarantee world-class security measures. After a fatal shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade last year, a spokesperson reiterated that “fan and player safety is an essential part of operations.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also stressed that fans should feel reassured, stating the organisation is “very attentive on any security question.”
While FIFA has never stripped a World Cup host of its rights, there are precedents in other tournaments. Colombia gave up hosting the 1986 World Cup due to infrastructure challenges, while Indonesia was removed as host of the 2023 U20 World Cup following political opposition to Israel’s participation. Still, concerns remain that the US could face unprecedented scrutiny as the countdown to 2026 continues.
Tags: Charlie Kirk, 2026 FIFA World Cup, Utah Valley University, CDC, USA, Canada, Mexico, Donald Trump, gun violence.
