WASHINGTON (BN24) — U.S President on Tuesday threatened to remove World Cup games scheduled for suburban Boston, citing civil unrest in the area and taking aim at the city’s mayor.
Foxborough, Massachusetts, home to Gillette Stadium and the NFL’s New England Patriots, is slated to host matches as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States is co-hosting alongside Mexico and Canada. The venue is one of several across North America chosen for the 104-match tournament.
During comments made while meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei, Trump criticized Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, a Democrat, describing her as “intelligent” but “radical left.” He went on to suggest that World Cup matches could be relocated from the region.
“We could take them away,” Trump said of the matches scheduled for Foxborough. “I love the people of Boston, and I know the games are sold out. But your mayor is not good.”
Trump did not provide specific details but claimed that “they’re taking over parts of Boston,” implying civil disorder. He added, “We could get them back in about two seconds.”
The president’s remarks come amid broader national tensions around domestic protests and public safety. Earlier this month, a pro-Palestinian demonstration on Boston Common turned violent, resulting in multiple arrests and injuries to at least four police officers.
Trump has previously suggested he may intervene in World Cup planning by declaring certain cities “not safe” for the tournament. FIFA finalized the match locations in 2022, selecting major NFL stadiums in metropolitan areas, including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Boston’s neighboring town of Foxborough.
The Trump administration had previously deployed National Guard troops to cities such as Washington and Memphis, and attempts to extend that deployment to Chicago and Portland led to legal disputes.
It remains unclear whether Trump, currently campaigning for a return to the White House in 2024, could legally alter FIFA’s hosting commitments, which were made in coordination with U.S. Soccer and international partners.
FIFA and U.S. Soccer have not publicly responded to Trump’s comments.
