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Former President Trump has repeatedly declared he would pressure FIFA to pull 2026 World Cup matches from a host city based on municipal politics, with Boston now being the most recent urban area to face such statements from the US president. Moreover, Trump suggested he would consider similar action against Southern California for the upcoming Olympic Games due to possible safety issues.

Legal Authority and Potential Influence

Even though Trump does not have official jurisdiction to unilaterally remove either competition, he may exert influence the international organizations managing each event to move host cities.

Setting for Statements

These remarks were made during a media briefing with Argentina's leader Milei, who was visiting the presidential residence following the announcement of a multibillion-dollar financial assistance for the South American country. Near the conclusion of the event, a reporter inquired Trump about a latest unauthorized gathering in downtown Boston where authorities were attacked and a patrol car was set on fire. The reporter also questioned if these incidents could cause the loss of organizing rights for the 48-team soccer tournament.

“I would take them away,” Trump remarked concerning the FIFA World Cup matches, scheduled to be staged at Gillette Stadium. “The city's leader is poor … they're extremist, and they’re taking over parts of Boston. That is a significant assertion, right?”

Street Takeovers and Ideological Perceptions

Unauthorized gatherings, a online-fueled trend where large crowds congregate on city streets after dark to engage in dangerous driving, have become a frequent issue in American cities since the lockdown closures. Latest similar events have become aggressive in Massachusetts, specifically in the city. However, these gatherings are typically not regarded as tied to any particular political ideology.

“In cases where a mayor is performing poorly, and I believe exist unsafe conditions, I'd call Gianni [Infantino], who is phenomenal, and say it should be shifted to an alternate venue,” he commented during the event. “He will do that. He wouldn’t love the action, but he would comply. Readily, he'd comply.”

FIFA Relationship

FIFA President has made no secret his efforts to be closely connected with the US leader prior to next year’s tournament, set to be hosted in numerous American venues across the US along with several in the northern neighbor and multiple in Mexico. The FIFA president has appeared at multiple White House gatherings, facilitated Trump present the Club World Cup cup after the championship match, and has even delayed his FIFA's internal meeting to travel with Trump on a visit to the Arab region earlier in 2025.

Past Statements

This has not stopped, Trump from threatening the relocation of FIFA World Cup games from other US host cities. In late September, Seattle and San Francisco were comparable criticism, with Trump claiming both cities were “led by ideological activists who are clueless what they're managing,” while challenging the public safety of both locales and claiming that events could be shifted.

Organizational Statement

FIFA vice-president Montagliani rejected Trump’s claims when he responded days later at a event in the UK capital.

“It’s the organization's event, FIFA’s jurisdiction, the organization determines such choices,” the vice-president stated. “With all due respect to current world leaders, soccer is transcends political figures and soccer will survive their administration and their policies. That is the strength of our game, that it is more significant than any individual and beyond individual states.”

2028 Comments

On Tuesday, Trump’s reply to a query about Boston included a comparable warning regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“When I believed Los Angeles was not going to be prepared properly, I'd shift it to an alternate venue if necessary,” he remarked. “On that one I might have to get a alternative consent, but we'd do that.”

Any approval Trump mentioned would have to come via the IOC. Their president, the newly elected president, was elected to her position in spring and has so far not appear together with Trump, but she indicated that she hopes for a sit-down with Trump at eventually.

Additional Criticism

He also condemned the state's leader Newsom’s management of recent blazes, remarking that a parallel incident could result in the removal of the Games.

“In case he refuses to cooperate, we’re gonna have to be very tough,” the former president said.

The warning was equally clear for the Massachusetts city.

“They must clean up their act,” Trump stated. “That is my message.”