The recent gruesome public assassination of American right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk has not only traumatised the world at large, but has raised questions regarding the USA’s readiness to host the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While speaking at an outdoor event hosted at Utah Valley University, which formed part of his “American Comeback Tour”, prominent conservative American political commentator Charlie Kirk was shot dead in front of his audience. The irony of his death is not lost on some, considering his stance on gun violence in the United States. It appears he became a statistic for the very thing he basically fought to protect.
“… I think it’s worth it to have a cost of unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment protect our other God-given rights,” he said.
While the rest of the world goes back and forth about whether Charlie’s death is worth celebrating or not, the football community has voiced concern over the frequency of the rate of public and mass shootings in the U.S, as another shooting was reported just hours after Charlie’s.
Furthermore, the U.S’s immigration policies, visa wait times, border enforcement and overall treatment of black and brown immigrants has also sparked some concern from the international community. They call on FIFA to either announce a change of host, or put some effective solutions in place.
Imagine going to a football game with the fear of being shot at any moment. The 2026 World Cup CANNOT be hosted in America man
— (fan) Trey (@UTDTrey) September 10, 2025
Please spread the word lol. Like I’m genuinely shocked to see that people are just now talking about moving the World Cup lol. “Immigration” aka ICE will posted the fuck up waiting to UNLAWFULLY detain and deport people.
Also the usual gun violence.— nice (@hazelorade) September 11, 2025
The World Cup can never be hosted in America.
How will they handle the safety of both players and supporters?
— TheScreenshotLad (@thescreenlad) September 10, 2025
Following yesterday’s shooting of Charlie Kirk in the US, isn’t it time FIFA considered relocating next year’s World Cup to safer, more peaceful countries like Kenya or Uganda? pic.twitter.com/GK858ktMDP
— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) September 11, 2025
Also see: ‘There has never been anyone so respected by youth’: Trump honours Charlie Kirk after tragic killing
