President Donald Trump has issued a warning regarding the relocation of 2026 World Cup matches planned for Boston. He expressed concerns about unrest in the city, suggesting that parts of Boston had been “taken over.” Trump made these statements during a recent meeting with Argentina’s president.
World Cup Matches in Boston
The World Cup will feature several matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. This stadium is approximately 30 miles from Boston and is home to the New England Patriots. Seven matches are scheduled to occur there as part of the tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Trump’s Comments on Boston’s Leadership
During his remarks, President Trump referred to Boston’s mayor, Michelle Wu. He labeled her an “intelligent” but “radical left” leader. Trump emphasized that while he appreciates the people of Boston and recognizes that tickets for the games are sold out, he feels the mayor is not performing well.
- Trump stated, “We could take them away” regarding World Cup games.
- He suggested that if conditions remain unsafe, he would contact FIFA to discuss moving the games.
Reactions from Local Officials
In response to Trump’s comments, Wu’s office released a statement highlighting Boston’s anticipation for hosting the World Cup matches. The statement underscored the city’s appeal as “the cradle of liberty and city of champions,” eager to welcome international fans.
Concerns Over City Safety
Trump’s comments come amid rising tensions in the city. Earlier in the month, violent protests in Boston resulted in multiple arrests and injuries to police officers. These events have raised concerns about the safety of hosting large-scale events like the World Cup.
FIFA’s Role in World Cup Hosting
Despite Trump’s influence, any changes to the host cities for the World Cup are under FIFA’s jurisdiction. The organization has contracted with 11 U.S. cities, along with three in Mexico and two in Canada. A decision to change game locations would present significant logistical and legal challenges with only eight months left before the tournament’s kickoff on June 11.
Victor Montagliani, FIFA’s vice president, reaffirmed that FIFA has the ultimate say regarding hosting sites, stating, “It’s FIFA’s tournament; FIFA makes those decisions.”
Conclusion
As tensions rise in Boston, Trump’s statements regarding the potential relocation of World Cup matches add a layer of complexity to the preparations for the tournament. With only a few months to go, the focus will remain on ensuring safety as well as hosting a successful World Cup in 2026.
