U.S. President Donald Trump raised the possibility of relocating World Cup matches scheduled for next year in suburban Boston, citing concerns of unrest in parts of the city. The matches are planned to take place in Foxborough, Mass., approximately 48 kilometers from Boston, as part of the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Trump criticized Boston’s mayor, Michelle Wu, labeling her as “intelligent” but “radical left,” and hinted at the potential to move the games, emphasizing his disapproval of the mayor’s performance.
Trump’s comments were made during a meeting with Argentina President Javier Milei, where he expressed concerns about certain areas of Boston being “taken over.” While specifics were not provided, recent incidents, like arrests related to a pro-Palestinian protest that turned violent in Boston Common, may have influenced Trump’s remarks. The President had previously suggested the possibility of deeming cities “unsafe” for the tournament, although any changes to the hosting plan confirmed by FIFA in 2022 would require significant legal and logistical hurdles.
Despite Trump’s statements, FIFA’s Vice President Victor Montagliani clarified that decisions regarding World Cup host sites fall under FIFA’s authority, making any alterations challenging at this stage. Trump acknowledged FIFA’s jurisdiction in the matter but reiterated his stance on prioritizing safety, indicating a willingness to engage with FIFA President Gianni Infantino if necessary. Infantino, regarded as a close associate of Trump, was mentioned by the President as someone who could potentially facilitate a relocation if safety concerns persisted.
