U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked controversy after threatening to relocate World Cup matches scheduled to take place near Boston, Massachusetts, claiming that parts of the city have been “taken over” by unrest.
Foxborough — home to the New England Patriots and located about 30 miles from Boston — is among the U.S. cities set to host matches when the United States, Mexico, and Canada cohost the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei, Trump criticized Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, describing her as “intelligent” but “radical left.”
“We could take them away,” Trump said, referring to the World Cup games. “I love the people of Boston, and I know the games are sold out. But your mayor is not good.”
He added vaguely that “they’re taking over parts of Boston,” without providing specifics, but insisted “we could get them back in about two seconds.”
Trump’s remarks come amid heightened tensions in several U.S. cities following political protests. Earlier this month, multiple arrests were made during a pro-Palestinian demonstration on Boston Common, which reportedly turned violent and left four police officers injured.
It remains unclear whether Trump’s comments were linked to that incident or if he plans to take any formal action regarding the World Cup venues.
The Trump administration has previously deployed National Guard troops to cities such as Washington, D.C., and Memphis, sparking legal disputes in Chicago and Portland over similar moves.
Trump has also floated the idea of declaring certain cities “not safe” to host the 2026 tournament — a suggestion that could potentially alter FIFA’s 2022 confirmed hosting plan, which includes games at major NFL stadiums near New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Boston.
As of now, FIFA has not commented on the president’s statement, but the remarks have raised concerns among organizers and local officials ahead of what is expected to be one of the biggest sporting events in U.S. history.
