Boston, September 27, 2025
News Summary
President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of relocating 2026 World Cup matches from host cities he considers unsafe, raising concerns from local officials and businesses. During a press conference, he referenced cities that clash with his administration’s policies. Boston, which is set to host matches at Gillette Stadium, faces uncertainty as preparations continue. Mayor Michelle Wu reaffirmed the city’s commitment to safety. The comment has prompted anxiety among local fans and businesses regarding potential economic impacts.
Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump suggested he may relocate 2026 World Cup matches from U.S. host cities he deems unsafe, a statement that has raised concerns among host cities, local businesses and fans as organizers continue preparations for the tournament.
Key developments
The president made his comments during a Thursday press conference from the Oval Office, and did not specifically mention Boston but alluded to cities at odds with his administration’s immigration and crime initiatives. The president’s remarks raised concerns about matches scheduled to be played at Gillette Stadium, which will be renamed Boston Stadium for the event. Seven matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are scheduled for Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, with Boston being the designated host city.
Immediate reactions and local impact
Boston city officials said they are continuing planning and security work, with Mayor Michelle Wu of Boston affirmed her administration’s commitment to safely hosting the World Cup and ensuring all preparations are in place. Local soccer fans and business owners expressed anxiety over the suggestion that matches could be moved, with at least one local fan expressing concern about the potential relocation of the matches and local businesses noting potential economic effects on establishments that depend on event crowds.
Security and logistics
The federal government has allocated $625 million for security measures across host cities for the World Cup, and officials in several host cities, including Kansas City and Seattle, have said they are developing security plans and remain confident in preparations. At the same time, legal experts have noted it is unclear if Trump has the legal authority to unilaterally move World Cup matches, as FIFA operates the tournament and has finalized agreements with host cities. FIFA’s planning has been underway for years, and sudden changes to venues at this stage could be chaotic and difficult to execute.
Administration influence and international relations
The president mentioned that he has connections with FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, which could allow for influence regarding host cities. Observers noted, however, that FIFA retains control over match locations and that contractual arrangements between FIFA and host cities would complicate any unilateral action from the U.S. federal government. FIFA has not publicly commented on Trump’s suggestions or the implications of potentially relocating matches.
Broader implications
The concerns come as host cities have invested significant time and resources into planning for the event. The World Cup includes participation from 48 teams and begins on June 11, 2026, with multiple matches at host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Organizers, sponsors and municipal leaders have emphasized coordination and security planning as primary priorities. The president also hinted that similar safety considerations could be applied to other major events, including the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Legal and contractual context
Legal analysts and city officials highlighted that the federal government does not typically have the authority to cancel international event contracts on behalf of organizing bodies. Contracts with FIFA and event logistics span stadium naming, ticketing, local transportation and vendor arrangements, making late-stage relocation highly disruptive. Host cities have argued that changing venues now would create logistical and financial challenges and could undermine long-standing planning efforts.
What happens next
Mayor offices, stadium operators and federal agencies will continue coordination on security plans funded in part by the allocated federal resources. FIFA, host cities and stakeholders may need to clarify legal responsibilities and contingency planning if political interventions continue. For now, municipal preparations for stadium operations, public safety and local business support continue in parallel with national debate.
FAQ
Q: Did the president suggest moving World Cup matches?
A: President Donald Trump suggested he may relocate 2026 World Cup matches from U.S. host cities he deems unsafe.
Q: Where were the president’s comments made?
A: His comments were made during a Thursday press conference from the Oval Office.
Q: Are matches scheduled for Gillette Stadium?
A: Seven matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are scheduled for Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, with Boston being the designated host city.
Q: Has Boston’s mayor responded?
A: Mayor Michelle Wu of Boston affirmed her administration’s commitment to safely hosting the World Cup and ensuring all preparations are in place.
Q: Is it legally clear that matches can be moved by the president?
A: It is unclear if Trump has the legal authority to unilaterally move World Cup matches, as FIFA operates the tournament and has finalized agreements with host cities.
Q: Has FIFA commented?
A: FIFA has not publicly commented on Trump’s suggestions or the implications of potentially relocating matches.
Q: What is the scale and timing of the tournament?
A: The World Cup includes participation from 48 teams and begins on June 11, 2026, with multiple matches at host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Q: How much federal funding is set aside for security?
A: The federal government has allocated $625 million for security measures across host cities for the World Cup.
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Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location of remarks | Oval Office, Washington, D.C. |
| Main claim | President Donald Trump suggested he may relocate 2026 World Cup matches from U.S. host cities he deems unsafe |
| Boston / Gillette Stadium | Seven matches scheduled at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts; Boston is the designated host city |
| Federal security funding | $625 million allocated for security measures across host cities |
| Legal status | It is unclear if Trump has the legal authority to unilaterally move World Cup matches, as FIFA operates the tournament and has finalized agreements with host cities |
| FIFA comment | FIFA has not publicly commented on Trump’s suggestions or the implications of potentially relocating matches |
| Tournament scale | 48 teams; begins June 11, 2026; matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico |
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- Wikipedia: 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Boston 25 News
- Google Search: Trump World Cup 2026
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: FIFA World Cup
- Boston Herald
- Google News: 2026 FIFA World Cup
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
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