President Donald Trump of the United States has issued a warning about potentially moving the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches scheduled for next year in the Boston metropolitan area, citing concerns over unrest that he claims has “taken over” parts of the city.
The matches are planned to be held in Foxborough, Massachusetts, located roughly 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Boston and home to the NFL’s New England Patriots. This venue is among the US sites co-hosting the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada. When questioned about Boston’s Mayor Michelle Wu, a Democrat whom he described as “intelligent” yet “radical left,” Trump responded sharply.
“We could remove the games,” Trump stated regarding the World Cup events. “I have great respect for the people of Boston, and I know tickets are sold out. But the mayor is not doing a good job.”
Similar threats have been made by Trump in the past concerning cities like San Francisco and Seattle, and he reiterated his stance on Boston this past Wednesday.
Is it within Trump’s power to revoke the FIFA World Cup 2026 hosting rights?
Trump has floated the idea of labeling certain cities as “unsafe” for the 104-match tournament and disrupting the comprehensive hosting arrangements confirmed by FIFA in 2022. These plans include games at NFL stadiums near major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
However, the selection of World Cup venues is governed by FIFA, not the US government. The 11 American host cities, along with three in Mexico and two in Canada, have binding contracts with FIFA. Altering these agreements less than a year before the tournament’s June 11 start would present substantial logistical and legal challenges.
Victor Montagliani, FIFA’s vice president, emphasized at a recent sports business event in London, “This is FIFA’s tournament, under FIFA’s authority, and FIFA makes those decisions.”
On Wednesday, FIFA appeared to adopt a more measured tone, issuing a statement underscoring that “safety and security remain paramount at all FIFA events worldwide.” The statement also clarified that “governments are responsible for implementing safety measures and determining what best serves public security.”
“We anticipate that all 16 Host Cities will be fully prepared to meet all necessary requirements,” the statement added.
Trump has maintained that if he perceives a city is failing or unsafe, he would contact FIFA President Gianni Infantino-whom he described as “phenomenal”-to request relocating the matches. Trump asserted that while Infantino might be reluctant, he would comply without difficulty.
Mayor Wu, speaking on a local podcast, dismissed the possibility of Trump removing the games with less than a year remaining. She pointed out that contracts are firmly in place, making it impossible for any individual, even the sitting president, to overturn the arrangements.
“There is no mechanism to strip the World Cup games away,” Wu said. “Claims that cities are too unsafe to host are unfounded.”
FIFA World Cup 2026 matches scheduled in Boston
Gillette Stadium in Foxborough will host seven matches during the tournament, including five group stage games, one round of 32 match, and a quarterfinal on July 9, 2026. The announcement of such a significant number of high-profile matches came as a pleasant surprise to local organizers.
Mike Loynd, chair of Boston’s World Cup organizing committee, expressed enthusiasm when the schedule was revealed last year: “The later rounds attract the most attention. For us, this is incredibly exciting. The schedule is ideal-FIFA couldn’t have arranged it better.”
Organizers project the event will generate approximately $1.1 billion in economic benefits locally, create over 5,000 jobs, and produce more than $60 million in tax revenue for the region. They also anticipate welcoming upwards of two million visitors to New England during the 39-day tournament.
Robert Kraft’s association with Trump
Gillette Stadium is managed by Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots (NFL) and the New England Revolution (MLS).
Kraft played a key role as honorary chair of the United Bid Committee that helped secure the World Cup for the US. In a 2024 interview on The Breakfast Club podcast, Kraft described himself as a “social acquaintance” of Trump dating back to the 1990s, shortly after acquiring the Patriots. He noted that his sole political contribution to Trump was a “generous donation” for the 2016 inauguration.
Additionally, Kraft presented Trump with a diamond-studded Super Bowl ring during his first term, commemorating the Patriots’ 2016 NFL championship. While it is customary for sitting presidents to receive gifts such as personalized jerseys during White House visits, Kraft’s gift of a ring was unique, as confirmed by the team.
The ring was commissioned after the Patriots’ April 2017 White House visit to provide Trump with a distinctive memento for his presidential library. However, Kraft revealed in the same 2024 interview that he has not communicated with Trump since the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack by Trump supporters.
Trump’s ongoing criticism of Boston
Throughout the year, Boston and Mayor Wu have been frequent targets of criticism from Trump and his administration.
The administration has zeroed in on Boston’s sanctuary city policies and the extent to which local law enforcement cooperates with federal immigration authorities. In September, the Trump administration filed a lawsuit against Boston, alleging that its sanctuary policies violate federal law and have led to the release of dangerous individuals who should have been deported.
While the administration has deployed National Guard troops to cities like Washington and Memphis, attempts to do so in Chicago and Portland have faced legal challenges. In Massachusetts, leaders from both parties have opposed National Guard deployment in Boston. Mayor Wu, running unopposed for re-election, frequently highlights the city’s historically low crime rates.
Wu points out that gun violence dropped to record lows during her first year in office and has continued to decline. Boston recorded a historic low of 24 homicides in 2024, though the police department reports that the number has risen slightly to 27 so far in 2025.
