President Donald Trump has threatened to relocate 2026 FIFA World Cup matches from Boston, alleging unsafe conditions and criticizing local leadership, though ultimate authority rests with FIFA, the world soccer governing body.
The threat was issued on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, during Trump’s meeting with Argentina President Javier Milei at the White House. Trump suggested that certain areas of Boston had been “taken over” by recent unrest, though he did not provide specific examples or evidence to support this claim. This statement adds to a pattern of the president commenting on urban safety and local governance, often in the context of political tensions.
Specifically, Trump targeted Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, a Democrat, whom he acknowledged as “intelligent” but labeled “radical left.” He asserted, “We could take them away,” referring to the World Cup games, and added, “I love the people of Boston, and I know the games are sold out. But your mayor is not good.” He further claimed that the situation could be rectified “in about two seconds” if changes were made, implying a swift response to his demands.
The matches in question are scheduled for Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, home to the NFL’s New England Patriots and located about 30 miles from downtown Boston. Foxborough is set to host seven games during the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This multi-nation tournament is one of the largest sporting events globally, with 104 matches planned across 16 cities. Boston’s selection as a host city was confirmed by FIFA in 2022 after a detailed planning process aimed at ensuring smooth operations.
However, the power to alter host cities does not reside with the U.S. president but with FIFA. The international soccer body has binding contracts with the host cities, and any changes would involve significant logistical, financial, and legal complexities, especially with the tournament kickoff less than eight months away. FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani recently stated at a sports business conference in London that “It’s FIFA’s tournament, FIFA’s jurisdiction; FIFA makes those decisions,” underscoring the organization’s control and the unlikelihood of last-minute adjustments.
In response to Trump’s comments, Mayor Wu’s office released a statement that did not directly address the threat but emphasized Boston’s readiness and enthusiasm for the event. The statement read, “Boston is honored and excited to host World Cup matches, and we look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to our beautiful city, the cradle of liberty and city of champions.” This reflects the city’s commitment to showcasing its heritage and capabilities on the global stage, amid the political controversy.
Trump’s remarks may be connected to recent events in Boston, such as a pro-Palestinian protest on Boston Common in early October that turned violent, leading to multiple arrests and injuries to four police officers. While this incident involved civil unrest, it is unclear if Trump was referring specifically to this or other situations. The president has previously deployed National Guard troops to other cities like Washington and Memphis, and similar efforts in Chicago and Portland have faced legal challenges, highlighting ongoing debates over federal intervention.
Despite Trump’s confidence that he could persuade FIFA President Gianni Infantino to move the games, describing him as “phenomenal” and claiming he “wouldn’t love to do it, but he’d do it very easily,” experts and FIFA officials have downplayed the likelihood of such a change. Infantino is known to have a close relationship with Trump, but FIFA’s procedures and commitments to host cities make last-minute alterations highly improbable. This incident underscores the complex interplay between sports, politics, and local governance in major international events.
Looking ahead, the situation is unlikely to result in actual relocation of the World Cup matches, but it could influence political discourse and preparations for the tournament. Boston and other host cities are proceeding with their plans, while FIFA maintains its stance on host city integrity. The episode serves as a reminder of how high-profile events can become focal points for broader societal and governmental conflicts.