President Donald Trump is threatening to pull 2026 World Cup matches from Boston, raising concerns about the city's status as a host. The President's comments, made during a news conference with Argentina's President Javier Milei, cited "unsafe conditions" as the primary reason for the potential relocation. Trump stated that "if I feel there's unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni – the head of FIFA who's phenomenal -- and I would say, 'Let's move into another location,' and they would do that". He also added that FIFA head Gianni Infantino "wouldn't love to do it, but he'd do it very easily".
While Trump didn't offer specific details regarding the unsafe conditions, he suggested that "they're taking over parts of Boston". This statement follows earlier allusions to altering hosting plans for the 2026 World Cup, with Trump suggesting he could declare cities "not safe" for the tournament. These remarks initially surfaced in September amidst criticism of Boston's sanctuary city policies and a lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice against the city.
Boston is slated to host seven matches during the 104-game tournament, with games being held at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. A major quarterfinal match is scheduled for July 9, 2026. The possibility of relocating these matches has sparked debate and uncertainty, particularly among fans and city officials.
It remains unclear whether President Trump possesses the authority to unilaterally change host cities. FIFA's Vice President, Victor Montagliani, asserted on October 1st that FIFA ultimately decides which cities will host the games, not the government. "It's FIFA's tournament, FIFA's jurisdiction, FIFA makes those decisions," Montagliani stated.
Despite the uncertainty, the federal government has earmarked $625 million for World Cup security, with each of the 11 host cities in the U.S. expected to submit reimbursement requests for their expenses. Boston's bid to host the World Cup began in July 2020, and Gillette Stadium was officially selected in 2022.
The potential removal of World Cup matches from Boston has drawn mixed reactions. Some express concern about the economic and reputational impact on the city, while others support Trump's stance on prioritizing safety and security. The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear whether Trump will act on his threats.
