Trump Threatens to Yank World Cup Games from Boston/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump has threatened to move 2026 FIFA World Cup matches out of the Boston area, citing alleged safety concerns and criticizing Mayor Michelle Wu. However, FIFA—not the White House—holds authority over host city decisions. Boston officials affirmed their readiness to welcome the world next summer.
WASHINGTON — October 14, 2025
President Donald Trump issued a provocative threat on Tuesday to pull World Cup matches from the Boston areaquestioning the city’s safety and taking aim at Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu. The comments came despite the fact that the decision to host 2026 World Cup games in specific U.S. cities lies entirely with FIFAnot the White House.
The criticism appeared to stem from recent pro-Palestinian protests on Boston Commonwhich resulted in several arrests and injuries to four police officers. Trump, without offering specifics, claimed that “they’re taking over parts of Boston,” adding, “we could get them back in about two seconds.”
Despite Trump’s remarks, the hosting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are not subject to presidential approval. The tournament — to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada — includes 11 U.S. cities that were selected in 2022 by FIFA after a comprehensive bidding process. Foxboroughalong with cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, is under contract with FIFA.
Any last-minute change in host cities would involve massive logistical and legal challengesespecially with less than eight months until the tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026.
Mayor Wu’s office declined to address Trump directly but issued a diplomatic statement reaffirming Boston’s commitment:
Trump, however, suggested he could persuade FIFA President Gianni Infantinoa known political ally, to relocate matches if conditions warranted.
Trump’s remarks align with his broader campaign narrative of law-and-order governance, as his administration continues deploying National Guard troops to select U.S. cities. Troops are currently active in Washington and Memphiswhile proposed deployments in Chicago and Portland have faced legal resistance.
The president’s suggestion that cities deemed “unsafe” could be blacklisted from global events like the World Cup follows similar threats made in recent months, although none have materialized into actual policy shifts.
Trump’s comments add political tension to what is supposed to be a unifying global sporting event. FIFA has carefully planned the 104-game tournament across North America with a focus on infrastructure, international coordination, and market viability. Any disruption to these plans would carry significant financial and diplomatic consequences.
Still, with Boston’s local leaders standing firm and FIFA reiterating its authority, the likelihood of Trump unilaterally altering host city plans appears slim — but the political theater around it is likely just beginning.
More on Sports
