Trump Threatens Removal of FIFA World Cup Games from Massachusetts, Olympics from California
Former President Trump has yet again stated he would pressure FIFA to remove 2026 World Cup matches from a host city based on the local political climate, with the Boston region now being the third urban area to encounter such statements from the White House. Furthermore, Trump suggested he would evaluate comparable measures against Southern California for the upcoming Olympic Games due to perceived security concerns.
Jurisdictional Limits and Possible Pressure
Even though Trump does not have official jurisdiction to personally cancel either competition, he can lobby the organizing committees in charge of each event to move host cities.
Background of Comments
His remarks were made during a media briefing with Javier Milei, who was present in the executive mansion following the disclosure of a massive rescue package for the Latin American nation. Toward the close of the event, a journalist questioned Trump about a current public disturbance in downtown Boston where law enforcement were attacked and a police vehicle was set on fire. The journalist also wondered if such events could cause the loss of tournament responsibilities for the larger World Cup.
“We could take them away,” he said concerning the World Cup games, planned to be staged at the Foxborough venue. “Their mayor is not good … she is extremist, and they’re dominating sections of the city. That is a pretty big assertion, isn't it?”
Public Gatherings and Ideological Perceptions
Unauthorized gatherings, a digitally organized trend where participants congregate on public avenues late at night to conduct vehicular acrobatics, have been a ongoing nuisance in metropolitan centers since the coronavirus shutdowns. Latest incidents have escalated into violence in Massachusetts, including Boston. However, these occurrences are generally not seen as linked to any specific partisan agenda.
“If a mayor is performing poorly, and I believe there are security risks, I would call Gianni [Infantino], who is phenomenal, and say we should relocate it to a different city,” Trump stated during the event. “He will do that. He may not enjoy to do it, but he’d do it. Very easily, he would.”
Organizational Alignment
FIFA President has publicly acknowledged his efforts to be visibly associated with Trump prior to the 2026 event, set to be staged in numerous American venues across the United States along with several in the northern neighbor and three in Mexico. The FIFA president has been present at several presidential gatherings, had Trump present the Club World Cup award after the concluding game, and has even rescheduled his own organization’s congress to travel with Trump on a trip to the Arab region this year.
Past Statements
Despite this, Trump from warning about the relocation of World Cup games from different locations. Recently, the Washington city and the Bay Area metropolis were similar comments, with Trump asserting both urban centers were “run by radical left lunatics who are clueless what they’re doing,” while questioning the public safety of both cities and claiming that events could be removed.
FIFA Response
FIFA vice-president Montagliani dismissed Trump’s statements when he commented subsequently at a event in England.
“This is FIFA’s tournament, our responsibility, the organization determines such choices,” the vice-president stated. “Politely to national heads, soccer is transcends any individual and football will outlast their regime and their policies. It's the beauty of our game, that it is transcends one leader and bigger than a nation.”
Olympics Threat
During the event, Trump’s answer to a question about the Massachusetts city included a similar threat regarding the upcoming Summer Games.
“In case I believed Los Angeles was failing to be prepared properly, I'd shift it to an alternate venue if necessary,” he remarked. “For the Olympics I may have to obtain a alternative approval, but we would do that.”
Official consent Trump refers to would have to come through the IOC. The head, she, was elected to her post in March and has yet to hold a public appearance with him, though she indicated that she desires a discussion with him at a future time.
Further Comments
Trump also questioned Gavin Newsom’s management of the blazes, remarking that a parallel incident could lead to the removal of the Games.
“When Newsom is uncooperative, we’re gonna have to be strict,” he said.
His statement was similarly clear for Boston.
“They must address these issues,” he remarked. “That is I will say.”