Trump Threatens Removal of World Cup Games from Boston, Olympic Games from LA

Former President Trump has once again announced he would pressure FIFA to remove 2026 World Cup matches from a venue based on that city's political climate, with the Boston region emerging as the most recent such city to face such threats from the White House. Moreover, Trump remarked he would contemplate parallel steps against LA for the upcoming Olympic Games due to potential safety issues.

Jurisdictional Limits and Potential Influence

Although Trump holds no official jurisdiction to personally cancel either event, he is able to exert influence the respective governing bodies overseeing each competition to shift locations.

Background of Comments

The remarks were made during a press event with Javier Milei, who was present in the presidential residence following the disclosure of a massive rescue package for the Latin American nation. At the end of the event, a media member asked Trump about a current “street takeover” in the city where law enforcement were assaulted and a cruiser was burned. The journalist also asked if such events could cause the revocation of organizing rights for the expanded football competition.

“I would take them away,” he said concerning the FIFA World Cup fixtures, set to be hosted at the Foxborough venue. “She is not good … she’s radical left, and they are dominating areas of Boston. It's a significant statement, right?”

Urban Disturbances and Political Context

Street takeovers, a digitally organized phenomenon where participants gather on city streets after dark to perform stunts, have been a ongoing issue in metropolitan centers since the coronavirus restrictions. Latest similar events have escalated into violence in the region, notably in Boston. However, these gatherings are usually not seen as associated with any specific ideological group.

“In cases where a mayor is failing, and I believe exist dangerous circumstances, I'd call Gianni [Infantino], who is outstanding, and say we should relocate it to an alternate venue,” he commented on Tuesday. “And he would do that. He may not enjoy the action, but he'd agree. Very easily, he would.”

Organizational Alignment

Gianni Infantino has been open his strategies to be visibly associated with the former president ahead of the 2026 event, set to be staged in 11 cities across the United States along with several in the northern neighbor and three in the southern neighbor. The FIFA president has been present at various presidential events, arranged for Trump present the Club World Cup award after the concluding game, and has even postponed his own organization’s congress to accompany Trump on a visit to the Arab region previously.

Past Statements

Despite this, Trump from suggesting the relocation of World Cup matches from other US host cities. On September 25, the Washington city and the Bay Area metropolis faced similar criticism, with Trump asserting both urban centers were “run by far-left extremists who are clueless what they're managing,” while questioning the safety level of both cities and claiming that games could be shifted.

Organizational Statement

Victor Montagliani rebuffed Trump’s statements when he reacted subsequently at a conference in the UK capital.

“It is the organization's event, under our authority, the organization determines these matters,” the vice-president stated. “Respectfully to sitting presidents, soccer is transcends political figures and football will outlast their tenure and their government. It's the strength of this sport, that it is transcends one leader and beyond a nation.”

LA Games Warning

Similarly, Trump’s response to a query about the Massachusetts city included a comparable warning regarding the upcoming Summer Games.

“In case I thought LA was not adequately ready, I would move it to a different city if necessary,” Trump stated. “For the Olympics I’d probably have to secure a alternative permission, but we'd do that.”

The permission Trump mentioned would must come through the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The head, she, was selected to her position in spring and has yet to appear together with the former president, though she stated that she hopes for a discussion with Trump at some point.

Other Remarks

He also condemned California governor Newsom’s handling of the LA wildfires, remarking that a comparable scenario could result in the removal of the event.

“When the governor refuses to cooperate, we will have to be firm,” he commented.

His statement was just as direct for the Massachusetts city.

“Boston must clean up their act,” Trump stated. “That is I can say.”