Trump Threatens to Relocate 2026 World Cup Matches to Boston
Former President Donald Trump has expressed his intention to relocate the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches scheduled to be played in Boston. This statement comes amid political tensions and concerns about security in the city. The Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, about 30 miles from Boston, is one of the venues designated to host seven World Cup matches. The United States co-hosts the tournament with Mexico and Canada. During a meeting, Trump was questioned about the mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, whom he described as “smart” but “radical left.”The former president suggested that “they are taking control of parts of Boston”, without giving further details, but added that “we could take them back in about two seconds”. The office of Mayor Wu issued a statement in response, stating that Boston feels honored and excited to host the World Cup matches and looks forward to welcoming fans from all over the world. Trump’s comments arose during his meeting with the President of Argentina. It was not immediately clear what exactly he was referring to. However, earlier this month, there were multiple arrests related to a pro-Palestinian protest that turned violent in Boston Common, where four police officers were injured. Trump has previously hinted that he might declare cities “unsafe” for the 104-match soccer tournament and alter a detailed accommodation plan that FIFA confirmed in 2022. This plan includes NFL stadiums near New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The World Cup host sites do not depend on Trump. The 11 U.S. cities, plus three in Mexico and two in Canada, have a contract with FIFA, which would face significant logistical and legal problems to make changes eight months before the start of the tournament on June 11. FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani stated that FIFA is the one making those decisions. However, Trump stated that, “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 say: ‘Let’s move to another place’ and they would do it.” The former president was referring to Gianni Infantino, FIFA chief and close ally. Trump said Infantino “wouldn’t love to do it, but he would do it very easily.”“We could take them away,” Trump said about the games. “I love the people of Boston and I know the games are sold out. But their mayor is no good.
Donald Trump
