President Donald Trump has ignited a political firestorm by threatening to move World Cup matches away from suburban Boston, raising concerns about city safety and local leadership just eight months before the 2026 tournament kicks off. The comments, made on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, have put a spotlight on Foxborough, Massachusetts—home to the NFL's New England Patriots and set to host several high-profile games as the United States, Mexico, and Canada jointly host the next FIFA World Cup.
Trump’s remarks came during a meeting with Argentina’s President Javier Milei, where he was asked about Boston’s mayor, Michelle Wu. Without mincing words, Trump described Wu as “intelligent” but “radical left,” before launching into a pointed critique of the city’s current state. “We could take them away,” Trump said, referring to the World Cup matches. “I love the people of Boston and I know the games are sold out. But your mayor is not good.” According to reports from Fox News and The Hindu, Trump went further, alleging that “they’re taking over parts of Boston,” though he offered no specific details, and added, “we could get them back in about two seconds.”
These comments followed a turbulent month in Boston, where a pro-Palestinian protest on Boston Common turned violent, resulting in multiple arrests and injuries to four police officers. While Trump did not directly link his concerns to this event, the timing was hard to ignore. The unrest provided fodder for Trump’s broader narrative about urban safety—a theme he has returned to frequently in recent months. His administration has already deployed National Guard troops to cities such as Washington and Memphis, and has faced legal challenges in attempts to send troops to Chicago and Portland, Oregon.
Despite Trump’s threats, the authority to shift World Cup matches does not rest with the president. FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, holds contractual and jurisdictional control over the tournament’s host sites. The 2026 World Cup, which will see a record 104 games played across 16 cities in North America, has been meticulously planned since FIFA confirmed the host locations in 2022. Foxborough is among 11 U.S. cities selected, alongside three in Mexico and two in Canada. Other U.S. venues include NFL stadiums near New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Victor Montagliani, FIFA’s vice president, addressed the matter earlier this month at a sports business conference in London. He was unequivocal: “It’s FIFA’s tournament, FIFA’s jurisdiction, FIFA makes those decisions.” Montagliani’s comments, reported by multiple outlets, underscored the complexity of altering host sites so close to the June 11, 2026, kickoff. With less than a year to go, any significant changes would pose major logistical and legal hurdles for FIFA and local organizers alike.
Nevertheless, Trump insisted he could influence the process if he deemed conditions unsafe. “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,” Trump said, referring to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who he described as a close ally. “He wouldn’t love to do it, but he’d do it very easily.”
Boston’s city officials responded with a measured tone, avoiding direct confrontation with the president. In a statement from Mayor Wu’s office, the city reaffirmed its commitment to the tournament: “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.” The statement, reported by The Hindu and Fox News, made clear that Boston intends to proceed with preparations as planned, regardless of political rhetoric swirling around the event.
Trump’s comments have resonated deeply in both the local and national political arenas, exposing fault lines over public safety, governance, and the politicization of major sporting events. Supporters of the president argue that his warnings reflect legitimate concerns about urban unrest and the duty of leaders to ensure the safety of visiting fans and athletes. They point to the recent violence on Boston Common as evidence that city officials must do more to maintain order ahead of an international spectacle.
Critics, however, see Trump’s remarks as an opportunistic attack on Democratic leadership and an attempt to stoke fear for political gain. They note that the process of relocating World Cup matches is far more complicated than the president suggests, with FIFA’s contracts and planning involving years of negotiation and millions of dollars in investment. “World Cup host sites aren’t up to Trump,” wrote Fox News, echoing FIFA’s own statements about its exclusive jurisdiction.
Beyond the immediate controversy, the episode raises broader questions about the intersection of politics and global sports. The World Cup, traditionally a unifying event, now finds itself entangled in domestic U.S. disputes over policing, protest, and the balance of power between local and national authorities. The situation in Boston is emblematic of these tensions, with city leaders striving to present an image of readiness and hospitality, even as national figures cast doubts on their ability to deliver a safe and successful tournament.
For the people of Foxborough and greater Boston, the stakes are high. Hosting World Cup matches promises not only international visibility but also significant economic benefits, from tourism and hospitality to infrastructure investment. Local businesses and civic organizations have spent months preparing for the influx of fans from around the world, eager to showcase the region’s sporting heritage and vibrant culture.
Meanwhile, FIFA faces its own set of challenges. The organization must navigate the political crosscurrents in its host nations while staying focused on the logistical demands of staging the largest World Cup in history. With 104 games scheduled and millions of tickets already sold, the prospect of last-minute venue changes is a nightmare scenario for planners, broadcasters, and fans alike.
As the countdown to June 11, 2026, continues, all eyes will remain on Boston—and on the ongoing debate about safety, leadership, and the true meaning of hosting a global event in a divided political landscape. Whether Trump’s threats amount to more than headline-grabbing rhetoric remains to be seen, but for now, the city is moving forward, determined to prove itself on the world stage.
