President Donald Trump ignited a political firestorm this week by threatening to move the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup matches out of the Boston area, citing concerns over public safety and recent unrest. With seven matches, including a coveted quarterfinal, scheduled for Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Trump’s remarks have put the spotlight squarely on the intersection of global sports, local politics, and national security debates.
The controversy began on October 15, 2025, when Trump responded to questions about recent violent incidents in Boston, including a large-scale street takeover that saw more than 100 people block traffic and set a police car ablaze. "Boston better clean up their act. That’s all I can say," Trump declared, referencing the upcoming World Cup matches. He went further, suggesting that if he deemed conditions unsafe, he could call FIFA President Gianni Infantino and have the games moved elsewhere. "If somebody is doing a bad job, and 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 wouldn’t love to do it, but he’d do it very easily," Trump asserted, according to the Associated Press and Fox News Digital.
Trump’s criticism was not limited to public safety; he also took aim at Boston’s Democratic mayor, Michelle Wu, labeling her "intelligent" but "radical left." He accused Wu of "hurting Boston" and suggested that cities with leaders like her were not fit to host international events. These comments were met with swift rebuttals from Massachusetts officials and local leaders, who questioned both the substance and the legality of Trump’s threats.
Mayor Wu, who is running unopposed for reelection in November after a resounding primary victory, responded with a mix of defiance and pride. "Boston is honored and excited to host World Cup matches, and we look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to our beautiful city, the cradle of liberty and city of champions," she stated in a public message. Wu dismissed Trump’s threats as empty, explaining on the "Java With Jimmy" podcast, "There’s no ability to take away the World Cup games. There’s no real threat when it comes to saying cities are so unsafe that they can’t host the games. Much of it is locked down by contract so that no single person, even if they live in the White House currently, can undo it."
The legal and logistical realities back up Wu’s stance. FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, confirmed its host city plan in 2022, contracting 11 U.S. cities—along with three in Mexico and two in Canada—for the expanded 104-game tournament. Victor Montagliani, FIFA’s vice president, emphasized at a recent sports business conference in London, "It’s FIFA’s tournament, FIFA’s jurisdiction, FIFA makes those decisions." Changing host sites with just eight months before the June 11, 2026, kickoff would present "significant logistical and legal issues," according to FIFA officials and reporting from WPRI.
Gillette Stadium, the chosen venue for the Boston-area matches, is operated by Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and New England Revolution. Kraft, who once described himself as a "social friend" of Trump and made a notable donation to his 2016 inauguration, has not publicly commented on the current dispute. However, Kraft’s connection to both the local sports infrastructure and the original United Bid that brought the World Cup back to the U.S. underscores the deep local investment in the tournament’s success.
The economic stakes are enormous. Local organizers estimate the World Cup will generate $1.1 billion in regional economic impact, create over 5,000 jobs, and bring in more than $60 million in tax revenue. More than 2 million visitors are expected to descend on New England during the tournament’s 39-day run, with Foxborough set to host five group stage matches, a round of 32 game, and a quarterfinal on July 9, 2026. "The later in the tournament, the more eyeballs," said Mike Loynd, head of Boston’s World Cup organizing committee. "For us, it’s just a matter of excitement. For us, it’s a perfect schedule. I don’t think FIFA could have done a better job."
Trump’s comments have drawn sharp criticism from across the Massachusetts political spectrum. State Senator Paul Feeney labeled the threat "absurd but not surprising," writing on social media, "The MOST unsafe thing #CaptainChaos could do is move the games to an unprepared city. Public safety agencies in #Foxborough #Boston & MA have been planning for years along with Fed partners. More of the same from DJT—Petty Politics over Common Sense."
Public safety has been a political flashpoint in Boston, with the city touting historically low crime rates under Wu’s leadership. Gun violence fell to its lowest recorded level in 2024, with 24 homicides, though 2025 has already seen that number surpassed with 27 homicides so far, according to the Boston Police Department. Wu and other local leaders argue that the city is more than capable of safely hosting the World Cup, pointing to years of preparation and coordination with federal partners.
The dispute is the latest in a series of clashes between Trump and Boston officials over so-called sanctuary city policies and immigration enforcement. In September, the Trump administration sued Boston over its refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, a stance Wu has defended as consistent with the city’s values. "We are going to continue to be who we are and that means unfortunately we are going to continue to be in the conversation in a way that is targeting Boston’s values," Wu said recently.
FIFA, for its part, has sought to remain above the fray, emphasizing that "safety and security are the top priorities at all FIFA events worldwide," but also noting that "governments decide what is in the best interest for public safety." A FIFA spokesperson added, "We hope every one of our 16 Host Cities will be ready to successfully host and fulfill all necessary requirements."
Trump’s threats have not been limited to the World Cup. He has also floated the idea of moving the 2028 Summer Olympics out of Los Angeles if he perceives similar safety concerns, a move that would face even steeper logistical and political hurdles.
As the 2026 World Cup draws nearer, the war of words between the White House and Boston’s city hall shows no signs of abating. Yet, for now, the games remain on schedule, and local organizers, officials, and residents are focused on preparing for what promises to be one of the most significant sporting events in New England’s history.
Whether the political drama will overshadow the beautiful game remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Boston is not backing down from its moment on the world stage.
