• Trump threatens to relocate 2026 FIFA World Cup matches planned for Boston due to safety concerns.
• Boston Mayor Michelle Wu responds, emphasizing the city is prepared and under contract with FIFA.
• FIFA officials state that decisions on host cities are ultimately theirs and based on government assurances of safety.
• The tournament is projected to generate significant economic benefits for the Boston area.
• Trump has previously threatened to move matches from other Democratic-run cities.

U.S. President Donald Trump has raised concerns about safety in Boston, threatening to relocate the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches slated for the city. He has criticized the city's Democratic mayor, Michelle Wu, calling her "radical left" and suggested that parts of Boston have been "taken over." In response to questions about Boston's readiness to host the events at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Trump stated, "We could take them away" if safety issues persisted, according to thejakartapost, indiatimes, and aljazeera.

During a recent meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the management of Boston, stating, "I love the people of Boston, and I know the games are sold out. But your mayor is not good." He further indicated that if unsafe conditions were present, he would contact FIFA President Gianni Infantino to move the matches, alluding to his close relationship with the FIFA president, according to reuters and channelnewsasia.

FIFA has since clarified its position, stating that "safety and security are the top priorities at all FIFA events worldwide," and that it is ultimately the responsibility of the governments hosting the tournaments to ensure public safety. FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani stressed that the decision around host cities lies with FIFA, not individual politicians, indicating that it would be "nearly impossible" to change once contracts are in place, according to channelnewsasia and aljazeera.

Mayor Wu responded to Trump's claims by asserting that the arrangements with FIFA are secure and locked in by contract, suggesting that no individual, including Trump, could unilaterally change the hosting plans. Wu emphasized Boston's readiness for the World Cup and expressed excitement about welcoming fans globally, although Trump’s comments have already added political tension to the event. The World Cup is set to commence on June 11, 2026, with the potential of bringing an estimated $1.1 billion in economic impact to the local area, according to aljazeera and thejakartapost.

Trump's potential actions to relocate World Cup games are not new as he has floated similar threats regarding cities like San Francisco and Seattle. The coordination between federal and local authorities has been increasingly spotlighted amid concerns over public safety and political sentiment, especially in the context of recent protests that escalated to violence in Boston, according to channelnewsasia and reuters.