President Donald Trump suggested that he may push to have the 2026 FIFA World Cup games removed from Boston unless the city’s mayor, Michelle Wu, takes stronger action to curb rising crime, including a recent violent street takeover targeting police officers.
Speaking to the media during a White House meeting with Argentinian President Javier Milei, Trump expressed frustration over Boston’s public safety situation and said he would consider calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino to relocate the matches to cities that better ensure security for players, fans, and officials.
“We can take them away. I love the people of Boston. And I know the games are sold out, but the mayor is not good. There are worse than her. At least she’s intelligent… But she’s radical left,” Trump said.
The president added that if he determines “unsafe conditions” persist, he would ask FIFA to move the games elsewhere.
“The answer is yes… If somebody’s doing a bad job, and if I feel there’s unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni, the head of FIFA… and I would say, ‘Let’s move it to another location.’”
Violent Street Takeover Sparks Outcry
Trump’s comments come in the wake of a chaotic and violent street takeover in Boston that occurred early on October 5, involving more than 100 people. According to the Boston Police Department, participants engaged in reckless street racing and aggressively attacked police cruisers with fireworks, cones, and poles.
One police cruiser was set ablaze during the incident and had to be towed away.
“They were hell-bent on attacking law enforcement officials,” said the president of a Boston police union, condemning the incident.
Boston’s Role in the 2026 World Cup
Boston is currently slated to host seven matches during the World Cup, including five group-stage games, a Round of 32 fixture, and the first quarterfinal on July 9, 2026. The city’s hosting duties are considered a highlight for New England soccer fans and international visitors.
Mayor Michelle Wu’s office responded to Trump’s threat with a statement emphasizing Boston’s pride in hosting the event.
“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 said.
Broader Threats Over Public Safety
Trump extended his warnings beyond Boston, also mentioning the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
“I could say the same thing for the Olympics,” he said. “If I thought LA was not going to be prepared properly, I’d move it to another location.”
Mayor Wu has previously criticized the Trump administration’s approach to law enforcement and immigration policy, accusing it of “causing so much fear and harm in our communities.”
In August, Wu condemned federal threats to withhold funding or sue cities refusing to cooperate on immigration enforcement.
This latest exchange highlights ongoing political tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders in major cities, particularly over public safety and policing.
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