Trump Threatens to Pull World Cup, Olympic Games from Boston and LA

Former President Donald Trump has reignited discussions around relocating major sporting events from U.S. cities due to political and safety concerns. Recently, he threatened to pressure FIFA to move the 2026 World Cup from Boston, citing issues linked to the city’s governance and recent incidents of civil unrest.

Trump’s Threats Target Major Cities

Boston is the latest city to face Trump’s ire, following similar threats made against San Francisco and Seattle. He criticized Boston’s mayor, Michelle Wu, labeling her as “radical left” and expressing dissatisfaction with the city’s management. The World Cup is planned to occur at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, located approximately 22 miles from Boston.

Safety Concerns in Boston

Trump’s remarks stemmed from a violent “street takeover” in Boston, which involved crowd disturbances and attacks on law enforcement. While street takeovers have become more frequent since the COVID-19 pandemic, they generally do not correlate with specific political ideologies. Trump declared that if he perceived Boston to be unsafe, he would contact Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, to discuss relocation.

Implications for Los Angeles

Trump’s threats extend to the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where he voiced concerns about the city being adequately prepared for the Games. He indicated that if safety and readiness were compromised, he would consider moving the event, although such a decision would require approvals from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Political Dynamics and Local Governance

• Trump’s remarks followed a recent $20 billion bailout announcement for Argentina, where he appeared alongside President Javier Milei.
• He has consistently highlighted issues in cities governed by Democrats, framing them as unsafe.

FIFA’s Response

FIFA officials have responded to Trump’s threats regarding potential relocation. Vice President Victor Montagliani emphasized that such decisions rest solely within FIFA’s jurisdiction and criticized the notion that political figures should influence the sport. He reiterated football’s ability to transcend politics and governance.

Future of Major Events

The outcomes of Trump’s threats remain unclear, as he lacks the direct authority to unilaterally remove a city from hosting duties. Still, his position as a former president can put substantial pressure on both FIFA and the IOC.

As preparations continue for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, the political climate and local governance issues will play a significant role in shaping the future of these major international events in American cities.