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Ex-president Trump has repeatedly stated he would pressure FIFA to remove 2026 World Cup events from a venue based on that city's political climate, with Boston becoming the latest urban area to receive such statements from the American leader. Furthermore, Trump suggested he would evaluate similar action against Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics due to potential safety issues.

Legal Authority and Possible Pressure

Even though Trump holds no official jurisdiction to directly relocate either tournament, he may lobby the international organizations managing each event to change host cities.

Background of Comments

The comments were made during a press event with Argentina's leader Milei, who was visiting the presidential residence following the disclosure of a $20 billion bailout for the Latin American country. Toward the conclusion of the event, a media member questioned Trump about a current public disturbance in the city where law enforcement were attacked and a cruiser was ignited. The reporter also asked if such events could cause the removal of hosting duties for the larger World Cup.

“It's possible to take them away,” the former president said about the World Cup games, scheduled to be staged at the Foxborough venue. “She is ineffective … she is extremist, and they’re occupying areas of the city. It's a major statement, right?”

Urban Disturbances and Public Safety Concerns

Street takeovers, a online-fueled phenomenon where participants assemble on public avenues during nighttime to perform stunts, have emerged as a ongoing nuisance in American cities since the Covid-19 pandemic closures. Latest such gatherings have turned violent in Massachusetts, specifically in Boston. Nevertheless, these gatherings are typically not seen as linked to any particular ideological group.

“When someone is doing a bad job, and I perceive exist dangerous circumstances, I'd call the FIFA head, who is excellent, and tell him we should relocate it to a different city,” the former president commented during the event. “He will do that. He may not enjoy to do it, but he'd agree. Very easily, he’d do it.”

Organizational Alignment

FIFA President has publicly acknowledged his strategies to be publicly aligned with the US leader prior to next year’s tournament, set to be organized in numerous American venues across the US along with two in Canada and multiple in the southern neighbor. The FIFA president has participated at multiple White House functions, had Trump hand over the club tournament trophy after the concluding game, and has even delayed his the group's assembly to join Trump on a visit to the Arab region earlier in 2025.

Earlier Warnings

This has not stopped, Trump from suggesting the cancellation of soccer events from additional American venues. On September 25, Seattle and the Bay Area metropolis came under parallel statements, with Trump asserting both locations were “run by far-left extremists who don’t know what they're managing,” while questioning the safety level of both locales and implying that events could be removed.

FIFA Response

Victor Montagliani dismissed Trump’s statements when he commented afterward at a gathering in England.

“It’s the organization's event, FIFA’s jurisdiction, we decide these matters,” he declared. “Respectfully to national heads, the sport is bigger than political figures and the game will endure their administration and their leadership. That is the essence of our game, that it is transcends any individual and beyond any country.”

2028 Comments

On Tuesday, Trump’s reply to a question about the Massachusetts city extended to a similar threat regarding the LA Olympic event.

“When I thought Los Angeles was failing to be sufficiently organized, I'd move it to a different city if I had to,” Trump stated. “Regarding that event I may have to secure a different kind of consent, but we'd take that action.”

The permission Trump refers to would have to come from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The head, she, was chosen to her post in spring and has not yet meet publicly with Trump, though she stated that she desires a discussion with him at some point.

Other Remarks

The former president also questioned California governor Newsom’s response of recent LA wildfires, stating that a parallel incident could result in the relocation of the Olympics.

“If the governor refuses to cooperate, we’re gonna have to be strict,” he commented.

His statement was just as direct for the Massachusetts city.

“The city better clean up their act,” Trump stated. “That’s all I will say.”