Trump noted that parts of Boston have been ‘taken over’ by recent unrest.
By Kehinde Okeowo
United States President, Donald Trump, has once again threatened to pull 2026 World Cup games from an American city despite being told by FIFA that he is not invested with such power.
Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, home to the NFL’s New England Patriots and about 30 miles from Boston, is set to stage seven matches as the U.S. co-hosts the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada.
However, Trump said parts of the city have been “taken over” by recent unrest.
Asked about the city’s mayor, Michelle Wu, a Democrat whom he called “intelligent” but “radical left,” he said: “We could take them away.
“I love the people of Boston, and I know the games are sold out. But your mayor is not good.”
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Earlier this month, there were multiple arrests in connection with a pro-Palestinian protest that turned violent on the Boston Common in which four police officers were injured.
Trump had previously suggested he could declare cities “not safe” for the 104-match soccer tournament and alter a detailed hosting plan that FIFA confirmed in 2022.
Reacting to his comment, FIFA Vice-President, Victor Montagliani, clarified that the U.S. President won’t be deciding the cities that will host the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking during a summit in London, he said, “It’s FIFA’s tournament, FIFA’s jurisdiction, FIFA makes those decisions.
“With all due respect to current world leaders, football is bigger than them and football will survive their regime and their government and their slogans.”
