The 2026 FIFA World Cup is facing a potential shake-up, with former President Donald Trump suggesting a move of matches away from Boston due to public safety concerns and criticism directed at the city’s mayor, Michelle Wu. Trump, speaking at the White House, expressed his willingness to intervene directly with FIFA to relocate games if he deems conditions unsafe.
“We could move them,” trump stated when questioned about Boston’s preparedness to host the global soccer event. He added, “I love the people of Boston and I know the games are sold out. But your mayor is no good.”
Trump’s primary criticism focused on Mayor Wu’s handling of what he described as riots in certain areas of the city. He characterized the mayor as intelligent but “radically left-wing,” suggesting this ideology was leading to parts of Boston being “taken over.” He asserted that his intervention could quickly restore order, stating, “We’ll go over there and get them back, but she’s afraid to do that because she thinks it’s politically incorrect.”
This stance echoes actions taken during the Trump administration, which saw the deployment of National Guard troops in cities like Washington and Memphis, with efforts also made to deploy them in Chicago and Portland.
Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, located approximately 22 miles southwest of downtown Boston, is slated to host seven World Cup matches as part of the joint North American bid by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. FIFA finalized the schedule for its 16 host cities in 2022. Boston is set to kick off its hosting duties on June 13, with Group C teams scheduled to compete on the third day of the tournament. Additionally, one quarter-final match is scheduled to be played in the region.
Trump indicated he would bypass standard diplomatic channels and appeal directly to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “If someone is doing a bad job and I feel there are perilous conditions, I call Gianni – the head of FIFA, who is phenomenal – and say: ‘Let’s move it somewhere else.’ And they will. I would hate to do it, but it can be done easily,” Trump remarked.
These comments emerged during a joint appearance with argentine President Javier Milei at the White House, occurring just days after Boston police reported multiple arrests in connection with late-night street gatherings that escalated into violence. The mayor’s office had not issued an immediate response to Trump’s statements at the time of reporting.
