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Ex-president Trump has yet again stated he would urge FIFA to relocate 2026 World Cup events from a designated city based on that city's political climate, with the Boston region becoming the most recent targeted location to face such warnings from the American leader. Furthermore, Trump indicated he would evaluate comparable measures against Southern California for the 2028 Olympics due to possible public safety risks.

Jurisdictional Limits and Possible Pressure

Even though Trump holds no direct legal authority to directly relocate either tournament, he can exert influence the international organizations in charge of each competition to move locations.

Background of Comments

His statements were made during a press event with Argentinian president Milei, who was visiting the presidential residence following the revelation of a massive bailout for the South American economy. Toward the conclusion of the event, a reporter inquired Trump about a current unauthorized gathering in Boston where police officers were targeted and a police vehicle was burned. The correspondent also questioned if the situation could result in the removal of organizing rights for the 48-team soccer tournament.

“We could take them away,” the former president remarked concerning the soccer matches, set to be hosted at the Massachusetts arena. “The city's leader is poor … she is radical left, and activists are taking over areas of downtown. That is a pretty big statement, don't you think?”

Street Takeovers and Political Context

Street takeovers, a online-fueled trend where large crowds gather on public avenues late at night to engage in dangerous driving, have been a frequent issue in metropolitan centers since the Covid-19 pandemic shutdowns. Recent incidents have escalated into violence in the region, including Boston. Nevertheless, these gatherings are generally not seen as linked to any particular partisan agenda.

“When someone is failing, and I perceive exist unsafe conditions, I'd call Gianni [Infantino], who is phenomenal, and tell him it should be shifted to an alternate venue,” Trump commented publicly. “He will do that. He might not prefer the action, but he'd agree. Very easily, he'd comply.”

Organizational Alignment

Gianni Infantino has made no secret his efforts to be visibly associated with the US leader ahead of the upcoming World Cup, planned to be organized in multiple US locations across the America along with several in Canada and three in the southern neighbor. The FIFA president has participated at multiple presidential gatherings, arranged for Trump hand over the club tournament trophy after the concluding game, and has even delayed his own organization’s congress to travel with Trump on a trip to the Gulf states earlier in 2025.

Earlier Warnings

This has not stopped, Trump from threatening the relocation of soccer events from additional American venues. Recently, Seattle and the Bay Area metropolis faced similar comments, with Trump claiming both cities were “led by radical left lunatics who lack understanding what they're managing,” while challenging the public safety of both areas and implying that events could be relocated.

FIFA Response

FIFA vice-president Montagliani rebuffed Trump’s claims when he responded afterward at a event in London.

“This is FIFA’s tournament, under our authority, the organization determines such choices,” he declared. “Respectfully to national heads, the sport is transcends any individual and soccer will outlast their regime and their government. That is the strength of football, that it is bigger than any individual and beyond any country.”

LA Games Warning

During the event, Trump’s response to a question about Boston included a comparable warning regarding the LA Olympic event.

“In case I thought LA was not sufficiently organized, I would shift it to an alternate venue if necessary,” he said. “For the Olympics I’d probably have to secure a alternative approval, but we will do that.”

The permission Trump alluded to would need to come via the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The head, she, was selected to her post in March and has not yet meet publicly with the former president, although she indicated that she desires a discussion with the US figure at eventually.

Further Comments

The former president also questioned California governor Newsom’s response of recent California fires, saying that a comparable scenario could result in the cancellation of the Olympics.

“When the governor doesn’t play ball, we are going to have to be strict,” he said.

His statement was equally clear for the Massachusetts city.

“The city must clean up their act,” Trump stated. “That is my message.”