WASHINGTON (AP) – Former President Donald Trump threatened Tuesday to pull the 2026 FIFA World cup matches scheduled for Boston, citing recent unrest in the city and criticizing Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. The United States is co-hosting the tournament with Mexico and Canada.Trump, speaking during a meeting with Argentinian President Javier Milei, suggested “parts of Boston” had been “taken” and alluded to the possibility of relocating the seven matches Boston is slated to host. He described Wu, a Democrat, as “smart” but “radical left” and stated, “We could take them away… I love the people of Boston and I know the games are sold out. But their mayor is no good.” He further claimed the situation could be rectified ”in about two seconds.”
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu dismissed Trump’s threat as unfounded. “There is no possibility of canceling World Cup games,” Wu said on the “Java with Jimmy” show, adding that extensive planning and contractual obligations protect Boston’s role in the tournament. “much of it is limited by contract, so no one person, even living in the White House can reverse it.”
FIFA, the international governing body for soccer, also holds the ultimate authority over tournament locations. Vice President Victor montagliani stated earlier this month that “FIFA’s tournament, the jurisdiction is FIFA’s, FIFA makes those decisions.”
Trump’s comments followed multiple arrests earlier this month related to a pro-Palestinian protest on Boston common that resulted in injuries to four police officers.The nature of the connection between the protest and Trump’s threat was not immediately clarified.
