Boston, October 17, 2025
News Summary
President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of relocating the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches from Boston’s Gillette Stadium due to safety concerns related to recent protests in the city. During a meeting with Argentina’s President Javier Milei, he criticized Boston’s leadership and suggested that a heightened National Guard presence could facilitate this change. Officials in Boston have expressed their readiness to host the World Cup and pushed back against the president’s comments, citing preparedness for the upcoming event.
Boston
President signals possible relocation of World Cup matches, cites safety concerns
President Donald Trump suggested he might relocate the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches from Boston’s Gillette Stadium due to safety concerns. The comments were made during a meeting with Argentina’s President Javier Milei and referenced recent public disorder in the city. Officials in Boston have pushed back, saying the city is prepared to host the matches as scheduled.
Summary of the immediate developments
Trump made these comments during a meeting with Argentina’s President Javier Milei. He expressed criticism of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and pointed to recent protests in Boston as part of the rationale for raising the possibility of relocation. Local authorities reported multiple arrests related to the protests and said four police officers were injured during the incidents.
He claimed he could take the World Cup games away by expanding National Guard presence. Trump also raised the prospect of moving the 2028 Olympics from Los Angeles if he judged the city unprepared, saying he could act if safety conditions warranted such a change.
Responses from city and Olympic officials
Mayor Michelle Wu’s office responded by stating Boston is excited to host the World Cup matches and assured that they are prepared for the event. An International Olympic Committee spokesperson affirmed the support of the President, California Governor, and Los Angeles Mayor for the upcoming Olympic Games. The IOC also noted that moving Olympic events involves contractual and logistical barriers.
Scope and institutions involved
Decisions about World Cup venues rest with FIFA, and decisions about Olympic venues rest with the International Olympic Committee. Trump said he could appeal to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request changes, and he said Infantino could implement alterations if safety issues were identified. Officials from the relevant organizing bodies emphasized that venue control and contractual obligations limit unilateral relocation by national leaders.
Other cities and related remarks
Several other cities are set to host World Cup matches, including Atlanta, Dallas, and Miami, alongside Boston and Los Angeles. Trump also threatened to relocate events from other cities like Seattle and San Francisco, which he described negatively, and referenced the large economic stakes tied to the Los Angeles Olympics when discussing potential changes.
Legal and logistical considerations
This marks the first time a US president has suggested moving Olympic events, a process complicated by International Olympic Committee contracts. Organizers and legal experts say contracts, international governing body rules, host-city agreements, and the complex timelines for securing venues, transport, and security make last-minute relocations difficult and costly.
What happened in Boston protests and how officials reacted
Local law enforcement reported multiple arrests tied to the protests and said four police officers were injured. Boston public safety and event planning teams maintain that security plans are in place for the World Cup matches and that coordination with federal and state partners is ongoing.
Next steps and potential impacts
Organizers for both events and municipal leaders said they will continue coordinating security and logistics. Any formal relocation would require review and action by FIFA for World Cup matches and the IOC for Olympic events, with contractual and diplomatic steps necessary before a change could take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Trump suggest about the 2026 World Cup in Boston?
What did Trump suggest about the 2026 World Cup in Boston?
President Donald Trump suggested he might relocate the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches from Boston’s Gillette Stadium due to safety concerns.
Where did Trump make the comments?
Where did Trump make the comments?
Trump made these comments during a meeting with Argentina’s President Javier Milei.
How did Boston officials respond?
How did Boston officials respond?
Mayor Michelle Wu’s office responded by stating Boston is excited to host the World Cup matches and assured that they are prepared for the event.
What safety incidents did Trump cite?
What safety incidents did Trump cite?
He referred to recent violent protests in Boston, including multiple arrests and injuries to four police officers, as contributing factors to his concerns.
Did Trump mention the Olympics?
Did Trump mention the Olympics?
Trump remarked on the possibility of moving the 2028 Olympics from Los Angeles if he believed the city was unprepared.
What did the IOC say?
What did the IOC say?
An IOC spokesperson affirmed the support of the President, California Governor, and Los Angeles Mayor for the upcoming Olympic Games.
Which other cities are involved in World Cup hosting?
Which other cities are involved in World Cup hosting?
Several other cities are set to host World Cup matches, including Atlanta, Dallas, and Miami, alongside Boston and Los Angeles.
Has a US president previously suggested moving Olympic events?
Has a US president previously suggested moving Olympic events?
This marks the first time a US president has suggested moving Olympic events, a process complicated by International Olympic Committee contracts.
Did Trump name other cities he might target?
Did Trump name other cities he might target?
Trump also threatened to relocate events from other cities like Seattle and San Francisco, which he described negatively.
Did Trump indicate he could influence FIFA?
Did Trump indicate he could influence FIFA?
He emphasized that decisions about the World Cup and Olympics venues lie with FIFA and the International Olympic Committee, respectively, but he suggested that he could appeal to FIFA President Gianni Infantino for changes.
How did officials and others react overall?
How did officials and others react overall?
Trump’s comments sparked responses from officials, including Wu, who argued there is no legitimacy to his threat and that safety plans are already in place for the World Cup.
Did Trump mention the economic impact of the Olympics?
Did Trump mention the economic impact of the Olympics?
Trump’s comments on the Olympics specifically highlighted his awareness of the significant economic impact they are expected to have on Los Angeles.
Quick reference table
| City | Event | Relevant fact |
|---|---|---|
| Boston | 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium | President Donald Trump suggested he might relocate the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches from Boston’s Gillette Stadium due to safety concerns. |
| Los Angeles | 2028 Olympics | Trump remarked on the possibility of moving the 2028 Olympics from Los Angeles if he believed the city was unprepared. |
| Atlanta, Dallas, Miami | 2026 FIFA World Cup matches | Several other cities are set to host World Cup matches, including Atlanta, Dallas, and Miami, alongside Boston and Los Angeles. |
| Seattle, San Francisco | Various events | Trump also threatened to relocate events from other cities like Seattle and San Francisco, which he described negatively. |
| FIFA / IOC | Governing bodies | He emphasized that decisions about the World Cup and Olympics venues lie with FIFA and the International Olympic Committee, respectively, but he suggested that he could appeal to FIFA President Gianni Infantino for changes. |
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Additional Resources
- Deseret News
- Bloomberg
- The Guardian
- Los Angeles Magazine
- SwimSwam
- Wikipedia: 2028 Summer Olympics
- Google Search: FIFA World Cup 2026
- Google Scholar: Trump Olympics 2028
- Encyclopedia Britannica: FIFA World Cup
- Google News: Trump Olympics
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
