US President Donald Trump has issued yet another threat to one of the nation’s 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosts.
With the FIFA World Cup now under four months from getting underway, preparations are already being made as North America plays host to the most anticipated football tournament on the planet.
The 2026 tournament will be played across 16 American, Mexican and Canadian cities – Atlanta (USA), Boston (USA), Dallas (USA), Houston (USA), Kansas City (USA), Los Angeles (USA), Miami (USA), New York / New Jersey (USA), Philadelphia (USA), San Francisco Bay Area (USA), Seattle (USA), Toronto (Canada), Vancouver (Canada), Guadalajara (Mexico), Mexico City (Mexico) and Monterrey (Mexico) - with 104 matches featuring 48 teams, taking place between June 11 and July 19.
However, despite the US co-hosting alongside Mexico and Canada, the tournament has not deterred US President Trump from issuing several threats towards both nations in recent months.
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Since Trump assumed office for his second term as president in January of 2025, the US has taken military action in several nations, including Venezuela, while issuing warnings to Mexico, Colombia, Cuba and Iran.
Trump also made clear that he wanted the US to take control of Greenland – an autonomous territory of Denmark – for what he described as security purposes, despite backlash from EU nations.
In January, the 79-year-old also threatened to impose 100 percent trade tariffs on Canada if the North American nation “makes a deal with China”.
Trump posted on Truth Social: "If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the U.S.A.”
This came after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada and China had reached a trade deal on electric vehicles after meeting with President Xi Jinping.
Then, on Tuesday (February 10), Trump issued a new threat towards Canada in relation to the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects Ontario and Michigan.
As reported by BBC News, the £3.4 billion project is being funded by the Canadian government but will be owned by Canada and the state of Michigan.
Trump took to the social media platform Truth Social, claiming that “Canada has treated the US very unfairly for decades” before adding that the bridge was built “with virtually no US content”.
The President also suggested that the US owns “at least half of this asset” while threatening to block the opening of the bridge until the US has been “fully compensated for everything”.
He then claimed that Canadian Prime Minister Carney’s trade deal with China will see the nation eaten alive.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is due to open later in 2026, having been under construction since 2018.
Donald Trump explosive statement in full
“As everyone knows, the Country of Canada has treated the United States very unfairly for decades. Now, things are turning around for the U.S.A., and FAST! But imagine, Canada is building a massive bridge between Ontario and Michigan.
“They own both the Canada and the United States side and, of course, built it with virtually no U.S. content. President Barack Hussein Obama stupidly gave them a waiver so they could get around the BUY AMERICAN Act, and not use any American products, including our Steel.
“Now, the Canadian Government expects me, as President of the United States, to PERMIT them to just “take advantage of America!” What does the United States of America get — Absolutely NOTHING! Ontario won't even put U.S. spirits, beverages, and other alcoholic products, on their shelves, they are absolutely prohibited from doing so and now, on top of everything else, Prime Minister Carney wants to make a deal with China — which will eat Canada alive. We’ll just get the leftovers! I don't think so. The first thing China will do is terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada, and permanently eliminate The Stanley Cup.
“The Tariffs Canada charges us for our Dairy products have, for many years, been unacceptable, putting our Farmers at great financial risk. I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve.
“We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY. With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset. The revenues generated because of the U.S. Market will be astronomical. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
“PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Topics: Donald Trump, USA, FIFA World Cup
Luke Davies