Boston, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Mayor Michelle Wu of Boston has contested President Trump’s claim that he could move upcoming FIFA World Cup matches due to safety concerns. Wu stated that the president does not hold the unilateral power to alter contractual agreements related to the matches, emphasizing Boston’s dedication to the event and its ongoing safety planning. Trump criticized Wu’s leadership amidst public safety discourse, while local leaders reassured that matches will proceed in Foxborough, where crime rates have declined.
Boston — Mayor Michelle Wu disputed President Donald Trump over his assertion that he could relocate 2026 FIFA World Cup matches from Massachusetts on safety grounds, saying the president does not have the authority to unilaterally remove the games and that planning for the tournament has been extensive.
What happened
President Trump said he could contact FIFA leadership to move World Cup matches if he deemed a host city unsafe, and he urged Boston to address recent public safety incidents. Trump also criticized Mayor Wu’s leadership and characterized her administration as aligned with the radical left.
Mayor Wu pushed back, stating that no single person, including the president, could undo the existing contractual arrangements for the World Cup and that Boston has been involved in thorough planning for its role in the tournament.
Where the matches will be held and schedule
The matches in question are set to occur in June and July 2026 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, which is over 20 miles southwest of Boston. The World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium will include five group stage matches, one round of 32 match, and a quarterfinal match on July 9, 2026.
Responses from local and state leaders
Massachusetts Democratic leaders, including House Speaker Ron Mariano, dismissed the assertion that matches could be taken away from the state and emphasized that the matches are scheduled for Foxborough, not the city of Boston. Mariano also highlighted the decline in crime rates in Foxborough from 2023 to 2024, contradicting the safety concerns raised by the president.
Mayor Wu reiterated the city’s commitment to public safety and the planning process, and emphasized Boston’s status as one of the country’s safest major cities, countering claims that the city’s safety record should threaten its role in hosting components of the tournament.
Federal, FIFA and public-safety perspectives
Trump reiterated that if he deemed any city unsafe, he could contact FIFA President Gianni Infantino to relocate the matches. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed that safety and security are the highest priorities for all FIFA events and reiterated the role of governments in ensuring these standards. FIFA’s stated policies emphasize that governments decide what is in the best interest of safety at events.
Economic and logistical context
Local economic impacts from hosting the World Cup are estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars, creating over 5,000 jobs. The tournament is projected to attract over two million visitors to New England during a 39-day period. Massachusetts leaders have allocated at least $10 million for costs related to hosting the World Cup matches.
Organizers and state officials note that contractual and logistical arrangements are already in place for the matches at Gillette Stadium, and local officials point to the significant planning and investment required to host international sporting events.
Additional political context
The dispute follows recent high-profile street takeover events in Boston that drew national attention and renewed debate about public safety at large gatherings. Mayor Wu previously opposed several federal policies and has at times clashed with the federal government on immigration and enforcement issues. Mayor Wu is running unopposed for reelection after a significant victory in the September preliminary election.
The exchange between the president and local officials is part of a broader pattern of political disagreement over public safety and large-scale events, and it underscores the roles of local, state and federal actors as well as event organizers like FIFA in decisions about hosting major international competitions.
FAQ
Where will the matches be held?
The matches in question are set to occur in June and July 2026 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, which is over 20 miles southwest of Boston.
What did the president say he could do about the matches?
Trump reiterated that if he deemed any city unsafe, he could contact FIFA President Gianni Infantino to relocate the matches.
What did FIFA say about safety?
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed that safety and security are the highest priorities for all FIFA events and reiterated the role of governments in ensuring these standards.
What is the estimated economic impact of hosting the World Cup matches?
Local economic impacts from hosting the World Cup are estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars, creating over 5,000 jobs.
What matches will be played at Gillette Stadium?
The World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium will include five group stage matches, one round of 32 match, and a quarterfinal match on July 9, 2026.
How many visitors are expected during the tournament?
The tournament is projected to attract over two million visitors to New England during a 39-day period.
How much has Massachusetts allocated for World Cup hosting costs?
Massachusetts leaders have allocated at least $10 million for costs related to hosting the World Cup matches.
Did Mayor Wu comment on the ability to remove the games?
Wu stated that no single person, including the president, could undo the existing contractual arrangements for the World Cup.
What did local leaders say about Foxborough’s safety record?
Mariano highlighted the decline in crime rates in Foxborough from 2023 to 2024, contradicting Trump’s safety concerns.
How did the mayor describe Boston’s safety overall?
Wu highlighted Boston’s status as one of the country’s safest major cities, countering Trump’s claims about safety.
Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Host stadium | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough (over 20 miles southwest of Boston) |
| Match window | June and July 2026 |
| Match lineup at Gillette | Five group stage matches, one round of 32 match, and a quarterfinal match on July 9, 2026 |
| Projected visitors | Over two million to New England during a 39-day period |
| Economic impact | Hundreds of millions of dollars; over 5,000 jobs |
| State funding | At least $10 million allocated by Massachusetts leaders |
| Local safety trend (Foxborough) | Decline in crime rates from 2023 to 2024 |
| Boston political status | Mayor Michelle Wu running unopposed for reelection after a September preliminary election victory |
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Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
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