Donald Trump Suggests Pulling of 2026 World Cup Games from Boston, Olympic Games from LA
Ex-president Trump has once again declared he would influence FIFA to remove global soccer tournament events from a designated city based on municipal political climate, with Massachusetts becoming the latest targeted location to receive such threats from the American leader. Furthermore, Trump suggested he would evaluate comparable measures against Southern California for the upcoming Olympic Games due to possible safety issues.
Official Power and Possible Pressure
Although Trump lacks direct legal authority to directly relocate either competition, he can exert influence the organizing committees managing each tournament to shift locations.
Context of Remarks
These comments were made during a media briefing with Argentina's leader Milei, who was visiting the executive mansion following the revelation of a multibillion-dollar bailout for the South American country. Toward the conclusion of the event, a reporter questioned Trump about a latest public disturbance in Boston where police officers were attacked and a patrol car was ignited. The journalist also wondered if these incidents could result in the loss of hosting duties for the expanded football competition.
“We could take them away,” Trump said about the World Cup games, planned to be staged at Gillette Stadium. “She is poor … she’s far-left, and they are taking over sections of the city. That is a pretty big claim, right?”
Urban Disturbances and Political Context
Public disruptions, a social media-driven trend where groups of people gather on urban roads during nighttime to engage in dangerous driving, have emerged as a ongoing nuisance in American cities since the coronavirus restrictions. Recent incidents have become aggressive in the region, notably in Boston. Yet, these occurrences are generally not regarded as linked to any distinct partisan agenda.
“In cases where a mayor is doing a bad job, and I perceive there are unsafe conditions, I would call the FIFA head, who is excellent, and say it should be shifted to a different city,” the former president stated publicly. “He'd do that. He might not prefer to do it, but he'd agree. Very easily, he’d do it.”
Organizational Alignment
FIFA President has made no secret his strategies to be publicly aligned with Trump before the upcoming World Cup, planned to be hosted in multiple US locations across the US along with several in Canada and three in Mexico. The head has been present at multiple White House events, had Trump hand over the FIFA club cup after the championship match, and has even postponed his own organization’s congress to travel with Trump on a journey to the Gulf states earlier in 2025.
Previous Threats
Despite this, Trump from suggesting the removal of World Cup games from additional American venues. In late September, Seattle and the Bay Area metropolis came under parallel statements, with Trump asserting both cities were “run by far-left extremists who lack understanding what they’re doing,” while questioning the public safety of both locales and suggesting that events could be removed.
FIFA Response
FIFA vice-president Montagliani dismissed Trump’s claims when he commented days later at a gathering in England.
“It’s FIFA’s tournament, under our authority, FIFA makes those decisions,” he said. “Politely to sitting presidents, the sport is bigger than them and the game will survive their tenure and their leadership. It's the essence of football, that it is bigger than one leader and bigger than a nation.”
LA Games Warning
During the event, Trump’s reply to a inquiry about the Massachusetts city extended to a comparable warning regarding the LA Olympic event.
“When I believed the city was failing to be prepared properly, I would move it to another location as needed,” Trump stated. “For the Olympics I’d probably have to get a alternative approval, but we would do that.”
Official consent Trump refers to would need to come through the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The head, she, was elected to her position in this year and has yet to hold a public appearance with him, though she said that she desires a sit-down with him at a future time.
Other Remarks
The former president also condemned California governor Newsom’s handling of the blazes, stating that a similar situation could result in the removal of the Olympics.
“In case Newsom is uncooperative, we are going to have to be very tough,” Trump commented.
His message was equally clear for the Massachusetts city.
“Boston must improve their situation,” he remarked. “That is my message.”