President Donald Trump suggested that he may push to have the 2026 FIFA World Cup games removed from Boston unless the city\u2019s mayor, Michelle Wu, takes stronger action to curb rising crime, including a recent violent street takeover targeting police officers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking to the media during a White House meeting with Argentinian President Javier Milei, Trump expressed frustration over Boston\u2019s public safety situation and said he would consider calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino to relocate the matches to cities that better ensure security for players, fans, and officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe can take them away. I love the people of Boston. And I know the games are sold out, but the mayor is not good. There are worse than her. At least she’s intelligent\u2026 But she\u2019s radical left,\u201d Trump said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The president added that if he determines \u201cunsafe conditions\u201d persist, he would ask FIFA to move the games elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe answer is yes\u2026 If somebody\u2019s doing a bad job, and if I feel there\u2019s unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni, the head of FIFA\u2026 and I would say, \u2018Let\u2019s move it to another location.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trump\u2019s comments come in the wake of a chaotic and violent street takeover in Boston that occurred early on October 5, involving more than 100 people. According to the Boston Police Department, participants engaged in reckless street racing and aggressively attacked police cruisers with fireworks, cones, and poles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One police cruiser was set ablaze during the incident and had to be towed away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey were hell-bent on attacking law enforcement officials,\u201d said the president of a Boston police union, condemning the incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Boston is currently slated to host seven matches during the World Cup, including five group-stage games, a Round of 32 fixture, and the first quarterfinal on July 9, 2026. The city\u2019s hosting duties are considered a highlight for New England soccer fans and international visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mayor Michelle Wu\u2019s office responded to Trump\u2019s threat with a statement emphasizing Boston\u2019s pride in hosting the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBoston is honored and excited to host World Cup matches, and we look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to our beautiful city, the cradle of liberty and city of champions,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trump extended his warnings beyond Boston, also mentioning the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI could say the same thing for the Olympics,\u201d he said. \u201cIf I thought LA was not going to be prepared properly, I\u2019d move it to another location.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mayor Wu has previously criticized the Trump administration\u2019s approach to law enforcement and immigration policy, accusing it of \u201ccausing so much fear and harm in our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In August, Wu condemned federal threats to withhold funding or sue cities refusing to cooperate on immigration enforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This latest exchange highlights ongoing political tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders in major cities, particularly over public safety and policing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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