In brief
President Donald Trump has hinted at relocating World Cup matches scheduled for 2026 in Boston, condemning Mayor Michelle Wu's policies. Despite his comments, shifting venues would encounter substantial legal hurdles due to existing contracts with FIFA.
BOSTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump has threatened to move World Cup matches planned for next year in suburban Boston, taking issue with what he described as unrest in parts of the city.
Foxborough, Massachusetts, hosts matches for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. When asked about Boston's Mayor Michelle Wu, whom Trump referred to as 'radical left,' he stated, 'We could take them away.' He praised Bostonians but criticized Wu's leadership.
Trump suggested he could alert FIFA's president, Gianni Infantino, about unsafe conditions and potentially influence the location of games. However, FIFA has confirmed that changes are complicated due to existing commitments with 11 U.S. cities, along with additional locations in Mexico and Canada.
Trump's comments come amid ongoing tensions between his administration and Boston, with frequent critiques of the city's immigration policies and public safety measures. Despite this, Wu has touted historical decreases in gun violence and crime during her administration.
The World Cup promises significant economic benefits for the region, estimated at $1.1 billion in local impact and over 5,000 jobs created. Upcoming matches at Gillette Stadium include key group stages and a quarterfinal, increasing excitement in the local community.
To sum up, while Trump is vocal about his dissatisfaction with Boston's governance, the regulatory framework set by FIFA makes relocating matches more challenging than it may appear.
