Trump Threatens to Pull World Cup Matches from Boston

President Donald Trump has indicated his intention to cancel 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Boston if Mayor Michelle Wu fails to address issues related to crime, particularly recent violent confrontations with police.

During a press conference on Tuesday alongside Argentine President Javier Milei at the White House, Trump responded to questions about the tournament’s future, stating that he might urge cities cooperating with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to reconsider the event’s scheduling due to safety concerns.

“We can take them away. I love the people of Boston, and I know the game is sold out, but the mayor is not good. There are worse mayors than her. At least she’s intelligent, though some others have extremely low IQs. Those are the ones that really bother me. She’s intelligent, but she’s a radical leftist,” Trump shared.

He further explained that if a dangerous situation arises, he would suggest to Infantino, who he characterized as a “phenomenal person,” to relocate the matches. “He doesn’t want to, but he will,” Trump added, suggesting that now might be an opportune moment to make such changes.

Trump’s comments came in the wake of a recent violent event where a group took over a city street. The chairman of the labor union for Boston police mentioned that those involved in the disturbances were serious about targeting law enforcement.

Boston police reported that over 100 individuals participated in a street race incident around 2 a.m. on October 5, during which some were found using fireworks, cones, and poles to assault police vehicles.

One police car caught fire and suffered significant damage, requiring a tow from the site, according to officials.

Boston is scheduled to host seven games during the World Cup, which returns to North America next summer. This includes five group stage matches, one round of 32 game, and the first quarterfinal on July 9.

President Trump also mentioned he might consider relocating the 2028 Summer Olympics from Los Angeles under similar safety concerns, saying, “If I didn’t think L.A. could prepare properly, I would move elsewhere.”

In response to Trump’s remarks, Mayor Wu stated that the Trump administration does not adhere to the law.

In earlier statements, Wu characterized Trump’s threats as significant and consequential, especially given the ongoing fear and harm caused by the federal government to local communities.