Charlie Kirk Shooting Sparks Global Calls To Strip US Of FIFA World Cup 2026 Hosting

The shocking assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk during a campus event in Utah has not only plunged US politics into turmoil but also reignited a global debate about whether the United States is fit to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Fans across the world are questioning if America can guarantee safety for players, officials, and millions of supporters.

The White House flags have officially been lowered to half mast in honor of a truly great American, @charliekirk11Rest in Peace ❤️ twitter/n69VA3UTKi

- Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) September 10, 2025

The Shooting That Sparked Fears

Charlie Kirk, 31, head of the conservative youth movement Turning Point USA, was speaking at Utah Valley University when a gunman opened fire. Witnesses said Kirk, dressed in a white t-shirt emblazoned with“Freedom,” was answering questions when a shot rang out.

Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, present at the event, recalled:“Everybody hit the deck... a lot of people started screaming, and then everybody started running.”

Kirk collapsed, bleeding heavily from the neck, and was rushed away by his security team. Authorities said the attack appeared to be“targeted,” with the shooter firing from a rooftop overlooking the courtyard. While two men were briefly detained, no direct suspect has yet been identified. One individual, George Zinn, was charged with obstruction but cleared of involvement in the shooting itself.

President Trump shares a message on the assassination of Charlie Kirk.“I ask all Americans to commit themselves to the American values for which Charlie Kirk lived & died. The values of free speech, citizenship, the rule of law & the patriotic devotion & love of God.” twitter/3fBSgs4Zxa

- The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 11, 2025

The incident left a nation stunned. US President Donald Trump, a close ally of Kirk, announced his death on Truth Social, calling him“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk.” Trump blamed the“radical left” for fostering the environment that led to the killing, vowing to crack down on political violence. 

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, meanwhile, urged unity, stating,“Political violence has no place in America.”

"The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his... twitter/aM8Pz3TKml

- The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 10, 2025

“Imagine Going to a Football Game With Fear”

As the news spread worldwide, football fans quickly connected the tragedy to concerns about safety at the 2026 World Cup, which the US is set to co-host with Mexico and Canada.

“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,” wrote one user on X.

Another questioned FIFA's decision directly:“How can you have a World Cup in that country? Seriously.”

Fans Refuse to Attend FIFA World Cup 2026

The reactions were not limited to rhetorical questions. Some supporters flatly declared they would boycott the matches if they were held in the United States.“There's not a single chance I'm going to the World Cup in the USA,” one fan insisted.

Others expressed fears for the safety of football's biggest stars.“Those clowns might even pull a trigger on CR7 as he's raising the World Cup,” another user remarked, reflecting the anxiety surrounding the prospect of violence spilling into stadiums.

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

How can you have a World Cup in that country? Seriously

- Who Is Gręgg? (@greggislocallfc) September 10, 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

The fact the World Cup is still be hosted in that country is an absolute disgrace

- Harry (@utdHarryy) September 10, 2025

The World Cup cannot go ahead in America, for everyone's safety. RIP Charlie Kirk️

- b (@abazwhyllzz) September 10, 2025

The list of reasons why the World Cup shouldn't be hosted in America is so long that I don't even know where to start...

- Noodle Vini (@vini_ball) September 10, 2025

I'm yet to see one sports journalists discuss why the World Cup being held in the USA is a bad idea. But Qatar hosting the World Cup was discuss in a negative light every day. I wonder why

- Egal (@EGTVEgal) September 10, 2025

FIFA taking the World Cup to USA is going to be a big risk with all these shooting going on Prayers up for Charlie Kirk

- Afc-Saks (@AfcSaks1) September 10, 2025

I really think FIFA have to strongly reconsider the World Cup being held there next year. It's a disaster waiting to happen

- Kendall Rowan (@kendallrowanx) September 10, 2025

Enough is enough. The World Cup cannot be held in the US. Bring it home

- ⛷️ (@stokaljona) September 10, 2025

You categorically cannot host a World Cup in that country you're asking for a disaster.

- Henry Swain (@henryswainjourn) September 10, 2025

FIFA Under Pressure

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has downplayed the safety risks, insisting that preparations remain on track. But critics argue that the US faces a unique challenge with its entrenched gun culture and frequent mass shootings, making it incomparable to previous hosts like Qatar, where strict security measures were enforced.

With the tournament less than a year away, the killing of Kirk has amplified calls for FIFA to reconsider. Social media campaigns are swelling with demands to relocate matches, with fans highlighting that the fear of random gunfire could overshadow the spirit of the World Cup.

Charlie Kirk's assassination has once again exposed the deep wounds of America's gun violence epidemic. For football fans worldwide, it has also raised an uncomfortable question: Can the beautiful game truly thrive in a country where even a routine public gathering can end in bloodshed?

For now, the countdown to 2026 continues - but under the heavy shadow of fear.

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