Charlie Kirk Shooting: Fans Say 2026 World Cup Shouldn’t Be in USA After Activist’s Death
- Football fans have raised concerns about their safety in the United States, just nine months before the 2026 World Cup kicks off
- There is talk of security issues following the recent tragic shooting of American activist Charlie Kirk at an event in Utah
- US President Donald Trump, a close ally of Kirk, paid a heartfelt tribute and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast
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Charlie Kirk, a well-known conservative activist and close ally of United States President Donald Trump, has been killed in what authorities believe was a targeted shooting during a university event in Utah.
The 31-year-old, who co-founded the youth movement Turning Point USA, was rushed to the hospital in a private car after the attack.
Source: Getty Images
Charlie Kirk shot dead at Utah university event
Despite efforts to save him, Trump later confirmed his death on Truth Social, as noted by Al Jazeera.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump wrote. “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.”
The US president announced that flags across the nation would be flown at half-mast until Sunday in Kirk’s memory.
Watch Donald Trump speak on the death of Charlie Kirk:
Investigators revealed that the fatal shot came from the rooftop of a nearby building overlooking the courtyard where Kirk was addressing the crowd.
Two individuals were briefly detained but later released after officials confirmed they had no ties to the attack. A manhunt is now underway to find the shooter, as reported by the BBC.
Shooting sparks safety fears ahead of 2026 World Cup
Kirk’s killing has not only sent shockwaves through political circles but also stirred fears among football fans worldwide, with the United States set to host the closing game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Source: Getty Images
On social media, many expressed concern about whether the country can guarantee safety during the tournament.
@UTDTrey wrote:
"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."
@Esclucive added:
"Hosting the World Cup in a country that calls football soccer should be illegal."
Another user, @the_braxeel, lamented:
"No one should get shot for an opinion in a civilised world 💔"
Others shared similar worries, pointing to America’s frequent gun violence. @ConfuciousNFT observed:
"Yes, I totally agree with everyone that's against the World Cup being held on America. Considering the incessant shootings and all it won't be the best place to host a tournament of such magnitude."
And @edinen_ warned:
"A lot of shootings in the US these past months, also knife attacks. and majorly innocent people. The FIFA World Cup is literally the largest event in sports. Adding to that, the US, Mexico and Canada will host the WC next year. Also, there'll be more countries in the WC next year than there have ever been in history, so more fans and supporters. The US doesn't even seem safe as it is."
The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest in history, with 48 nations competing across the USA, Canada and Mexico between June 11 and July 19.
Eighteen teams, including Morocco, Tunisia and the three host nations, have already booked their places at the tournament.
FIFA rules out one country from 2026 World Cup
In an earlier report, YEN.com.gh highlighted that one nation has been officially ruled out of the 2026 World Cup, with Russia remaining the only country banned from the tournament.
Both FIFA and UEFA suspended the European side in February 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine, and they remain suspended from competitive football.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
