Donald Trump has once again threatened to push FIFA to move the 2026 World Cup matches from cities like Boston, citing safety concerns stemming from street takeovers in the city. The US president, speaking alongside Argentinian President Javier Milei at a White House event, commented on a recent violent street takeover in Boston, which saw police officers attacked and a car set on fire. Trump stated that if he believes a city’s leadership is not handling safety adequately, he would directly contact FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request the relocation of World Cup games.
Trump criticized Boston’s mayor for what he described as a failure to address the violent street takeover incidents, a trend that has become a recurring problem across American cities. He added that if the situation in Boston doesn’t improve, FIFA could be pressured to move the games, though FIFA itself has yet to comment on the president’s remarks.
Additionally, Trump extended his concerns to Los Angeles, citing potential safety risks related to the city’s vulnerability to wildfires. He suggested that if the city failed to prepare adequately for the 2028 Olympics, he would push for the Games to be relocated, a move that would require permission from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Trump expressed frustration with California Governor Gavin Newsom’s handling of this year’s wildfires, warning that future disasters could force his hand.
While Trump has no direct authority over either the World Cup or the Olympics, his public statements reflect his ongoing influence in sports governance. His alignment with FIFA’s Infantino has been clear, with the two leaders having appeared at various events together in the past. However, the president’s threats have been met with pushback from FIFA officials, who maintain that the tournament decisions rest solely with the governing body, not individual governments.
FIFA Vice-President Victor Montagliani recently responded to Trump’s threats, emphasizing that the tournament is “bigger than any individual and bigger than any country.” Similarly, the IOC’s President Kirsty Coventry has not publicly engaged with Trump but has expressed interest in meeting with him regarding the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Trump’s comments underscore the growing tension between global sports organizations and political leaders, with concerns about safety and local governance looming over major events in the United States.
