Trump Threatens to Withdraw World Cup 2026 Matches from Boston
Former President Donald Trump has expressed his intention to relocate the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches scheduled in Boston, suggesting that certain areas of the city have been “taken over” by recent disturbances. Boston is scheduled to host seven matches at Gillette Stadium, as part of the co-hosting of the tournament by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. During a meeting, Trump was questioned about the mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, whom he described as “smart”, but also as being from the “radical left”.Without giving details, Trump insinuated that “they are taking parts of Boston” and added that “we could take them back in about two seconds”. The office of Mayor Wu has not issued any comments on the matter. Trump’s comments came during his meeting with the President of Argentina. It was not specified what exactly he was referring to. However, earlier this month, multiple arrests were made in connection with a pro-Palestinian protest that turned violent in Boston Common, where four police officers were injured. Previously, Trump had suggested that he might declare cities “unsafe” for the 104-match soccer tournament and alter the detailed organizational plan that FIFA confirmed in 2022. This plan includes NFL stadiums near New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. It’s important to remember that the choice of World Cup venues does not depend on Trump. The 11 U.S. cities, along with three in Mexico and two in Canada, have contracts with FIFA, which would imply significant logistical and legal challenges to make changes eight months before the start of the tournament, on June 11. In previous statements, FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani stated that “it is the FIFA tournament, the jurisdiction of FIFA, FIFA makes those decisions”. However, Trump stated: “If someone is doing a bad job, and if I feel there are unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni, the head of FIFA, who is phenomenal, and I would say: ‘Let’s move to another place’ and they would do it.” Trump was referring to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, a close ally. Trump commented that Infantino “wouldn’t love to do it, but he would do it very easily.” The Trump administration has already deployed National Guard troops in Washington and Memphis, and efforts to do the same in Chicago and Portland, Oregon, have generated legal disputes.We could take them away. I love the people of Boston and I know the games are sold out. But their mayor is not good.
Donald Trump