🔗 Share this article

Former President Trump has once again announced he would pressure FIFA to relocate 2026 World Cup events from a host city based on municipal governance, with the Boston region emerging as the latest targeted location to face such statements from the American leader. Furthermore, Trump indicated he would consider comparable measures against Southern California for the 2028 Summer Games due to possible safety issues.

Jurisdictional Limits and Possible Pressure

Although Trump does not have formal power to personally cancel either event, he is able to apply pressure the respective governing bodies overseeing each tournament to shift venues.

Setting for Statements

His comments were made during a news conference with Argentina's leader Milei, who was present in the executive mansion following the disclosure of a multibillion-dollar financial assistance for the South American nation. Toward the conclusion of the gathering, a media member asked Trump about a latest unauthorized gathering in downtown Boston where authorities were attacked and a cruiser was burned. The correspondent also questioned if the situation could result in the removal of hosting duties for the larger World Cup.

“It's possible to take them away,” he stated regarding the soccer matches, scheduled to be hosted at the Foxborough venue. “She is poor … she’s far-left, and they’re dominating areas of Boston. That is a significant assertion, don't you think?”

Street Takeovers and Political Context

Street takeovers, a online-fueled occurrence where participants congregate on urban roads after dark to perform stunts, have emerged as a frequent nuisance in American cities since the lockdown shutdowns. Current similar events have turned violent in Massachusetts, notably in the city. Yet, these gatherings are generally not considered associated with any particular ideological group.

“In cases where a city is performing poorly, and I believe exist security risks, I will call the FIFA head, who is phenomenal, and say we should relocate it to another location,” the former president commented during the event. “He will do that. He may not enjoy doing it, but he'd agree. Readily, he'd comply.”

Political Connections

FIFA President has been open his efforts to be publicly aligned with Trump before the 2026 event, planned to be organized in 11 cities across the United States along with two in Canada and multiple in Mexico. The head has appeared at various Oval Office functions, had Trump present the FIFA club award after the concluding game, and has even delayed his own organization’s congress to travel with Trump on a trip to the Middle East earlier in 2025.

Earlier Warnings

Nevertheless, Trump from suggesting the removal of soccer matches from additional American venues. On September 25, Seattle and San Francisco came under comparable criticism, with Trump asserting both locations were “led by ideological activists who don’t know what they’re doing,” while challenging the safety level of both areas and implying that games could be relocated.

Organizational Statement

Victor Montagliani rebuffed Trump’s assertions when he reacted afterward at a conference in London.

“It is FIFA’s tournament, FIFA’s jurisdiction, FIFA makes such choices,” Montagliani said. “With all due respect to sitting presidents, soccer is transcends political figures and the game will survive their administration and their leadership. It's the strength of this sport, that it is more significant than any individual and beyond a nation.”

Olympics Threat

On Tuesday, Trump’s reply to a query about Boston extended to a parallel statement regarding the LA Olympic event.

“If I perceived Los Angeles was not prepared properly, I would relocate it to an alternate venue as needed,” Trump stated. “Regarding that event I may have to secure a alternative permission, but we will proceed.”

The permission Trump mentioned would need to come through the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Their head, she, was selected to her role in spring and has not yet appear together with the former president, though she said that she hopes for a discussion with Trump at a future time.

Additional Criticism

Trump also questioned Gavin Newsom’s management of this year’s blazes, saying that a parallel incident could result in the relocation of the Games.

“In case the governor is uncooperative, we are going to have to be strict,” the former president said.

His message was similarly direct for the Massachusetts city.

“They better improve their situation,” he remarked. “It's I will say.”