Why Donald Trump is threatening to pull 2026 FIFA World Cup matches from this US city

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he may consider relocating 2026 World Cup matches set to take place in the Boston area, citing public safety concerns. He also hinted at the possibility of taking similar action regarding Los Angeles’ 2028 Olympics, referencing potential safety risks there as well.

Seven World Cup matches are scheduled to take place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, located about 30 miles southwest of Boston. The venue is among the 16 host cities chosen for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Trump has previously claimed he could deem certain US cities 'unsafe' for the tournament and alter the established hosting plans confirmed by FIFA in 2022. Those plans include matches in NFL stadiums across major markets such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.


However, FIFA - not the US government - controls venue selection. The 11 US host cities, along with three in Mexico and two in Canada, are contractually bound to FIFA, making any last-minute changes highly unlikely just eight months before the tournament’s June 11 kickoff.

Trump openly criticised Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, saying she's intelligent, but she's radical left.

"We could take them away," Trump said when asked about Boston's readiness. "I love the people of Boston, and I know the games are sold out. But your mayor is not good."

"She's intelligent, but she's radical left, and they're taking over parts of Boston," he said. "We could get them back in about two seconds. All she has to do is call us. We'll go in and take them back, but she's afraid to because she thinks it's bad politically."

Trump hinted that he might appeal directly to FIFA President Gianni Infantino in an effort to have the Boston-area World Cup matches relocated.

"If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni - the head of FIFA who's phenomenal - and I would say, ‘Let's move into another location,' and they would do that," Trump said. "He wouldn't love to do it, but he'd do it very easily."

Trump’s comments were made during a White House appearance with Argentine President Javier Milei, just days after Boston police reported several arrests following a late-night street gathering that turned violent.

The first World Cup match in the Boston area is set for June 13, featuring Group C teams.