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Donald Trump has yet again announced he would urge FIFA to remove 2026 World Cup events from a host city based on that city's governance, with the Boston region emerging as the third such city to receive such statements from the US president. Moreover, Trump indicated he would evaluate similar action against LA for the 2028 Olympics due to potential security concerns.

Official Power and Potential Influence

Even though Trump does not have formal power to unilaterally remove either tournament, he may lobby the respective governing bodies managing each competition to shift host cities.

Background of Comments

His comments were made during a news conference with Javier Milei, who was at the White House following the announcement of a $20 billion bailout for the Latin American nation. At the close of the event, a journalist asked Trump about a recent public disturbance in Boston where police officers were attacked and a cruiser was ignited. The reporter also asked if the situation could cause the revocation of tournament responsibilities for the 48-team World Cup.

“I would take them away,” the former president said about the World Cup matches, scheduled to be held at Gillette Stadium. “The city's leader is ineffective … she is far-left, and they’re dominating parts of Boston. That’s a pretty big claim, right?”

Urban Disturbances and Political Context

Public disruptions, a digitally organized trend where large crowds congregate on public avenues during nighttime to engage in dangerous driving, have been a ongoing nuisance in metropolitan centers since the coronavirus restrictions. Latest similar events have become aggressive in the state, specifically in Boston. Nevertheless, these occurrences are usually not seen as associated with any particular ideological group.

“When someone is failing, and I perceive there are dangerous circumstances, I would call Gianni [Infantino], who is excellent, and tell him we should relocate it to a different city,” the former president said during the event. “He will do that. He may not enjoy doing it, but he would comply. Without hesitation, he would.”

Political Connections

FIFA President has made no secret his strategies to be visibly associated with Trump prior to the 2026 event, set to be hosted in multiple US locations across the America along with several in Canada and multiple in the southern neighbor. The head has been present at several presidential functions, arranged for Trump deliver the Club World Cup cup after that tournament’s final, and has even rescheduled his own organization’s congress to accompany Trump on a visit to the Arab region earlier in 2025.

Past Statements

This has not stopped, Trump from suggesting the removal of FIFA World Cup games from different locations. In late September, the Washington city and San Francisco came under similar comments, with Trump stating both urban centers were “run by ideological activists who are clueless what they are doing,” while questioning the security conditions of both locales and suggesting that events could be removed.

FIFA Response

Victor Montagliani rebuffed Trump’s claims when he reacted days later at a gathering in London.

“It’s FIFA’s tournament, under our authority, we decide these matters,” he stated. “With all due respect to sitting presidents, football is bigger than political figures and football will endure their tenure and their leadership. That is the strength of football, that it is bigger than one leader and beyond individual states.”

LA Games Warning

During the event, Trump’s answer to a query about the Massachusetts city extended to a similar threat regarding the LA Olympic event.

“If I perceived the city was not going to be prepared properly, I will shift it to a different city if necessary,” Trump stated. “For the Olympics I’d probably have to secure a alternative approval, but we would take that action.”

Any approval Trump alluded to would need to come through the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Their president, Kirsty Coventry, was chosen to her position in spring and has so far not appear together with Trump, but she indicated that she would like a meeting with Trump at a future time.

Additional Criticism

He also condemned Gavin Newsom’s management of recent California fires, remarking that a comparable scenario could lead to the cancellation of the event.

“In case he doesn’t play ball, we’re gonna have to be firm,” the former president commented.

His statement was similarly unambiguous for the Massachusetts city.

“The city better improve their situation,” he said. “It's my message.”