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Ex-president Trump has once again stated he would pressure FIFA to remove upcoming World Cup matches from a host city based on that city's politics, with Massachusetts becoming the most recent targeted location to face such statements from the American leader. Additionally, Trump indicated he would consider comparable measures against Southern California for the 2028 Summer Games due to potential security concerns.

Jurisdictional Limits and Informal Leverage

Even though Trump holds no direct legal authority to directly relocate either tournament, he may apply pressure the international organizations overseeing each tournament to shift locations.

Context of Remarks

The statements were made during a news conference with Argentina's leader Milei, who was present in the presidential residence following the disclosure of a massive bailout for the South American country. Near the conclusion of the gathering, a media member inquired Trump about a current unauthorized gathering in Boston where authorities were attacked and a patrol car was set on fire. The reporter also wondered if such events could lead to the removal of tournament responsibilities for the 48-team World Cup.

“It's possible to take them away,” Trump stated concerning the FIFA World Cup matches, scheduled to be hosted at the Foxborough venue. “She is ineffective … she is radical left, and they’re taking over areas of downtown. It's a pretty big claim, right?”

Urban Disturbances and Political Context

Street takeovers, a social media-driven phenomenon where large crowds gather on city streets during nighttime to conduct vehicular acrobatics, have been a frequent problem in American cities since the lockdown closures. Current incidents have escalated into violence in the state, specifically in Boston. Yet, these events are usually not regarded as linked to any particular ideological group.

“When someone is performing poorly, and I perceive there are security risks, I'd call the organization's president, who is excellent, and tell him it should be shifted to another location,” the former president commented publicly. “And he would do that. He may not enjoy the action, but he'd agree. Readily, he would.”

Organizational Alignment

Gianni Infantino has publicly acknowledged his strategies to be publicly aligned with the former president prior to the 2026 event, planned to be staged in numerous American venues across the America along with two in Canada and three in Mexico. The organization's leader has been present at multiple White House functions, had Trump present the club tournament trophy after the championship match, and has even rescheduled his the group's assembly to join Trump on a trip to the Gulf states previously.

Previous Threats

This has not stopped, Trump from threatening the cancellation of FIFA World Cup events from additional American venues. On September 25, the Washington city and the Bay Area metropolis came under parallel comments, with Trump asserting both cities were “run by far-left extremists who lack understanding what they are doing,” while questioning the public safety of both locales and suggesting that matches could be shifted.

FIFA Response

The organization's deputy Montagliani rebuffed Trump’s claims when he reacted subsequently at a gathering in London.

“It’s FIFA’s tournament, under our authority, FIFA makes such choices,” Montagliani declared. “With all due respect to sitting presidents, football is more important than any individual and the game will endure their administration and their government. That’s the strength of football, that it is more significant than one leader and more important than individual states.”

2028 Comments

During the event, Trump’s answer to a question about the Massachusetts city veered into a similar threat regarding the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“In case I thought LA was not sufficiently organized, I will relocate it to an alternate venue if I had to,” he said. “For the Olympics I might have to secure a different kind of permission, but we'd do that.”

The permission Trump refers to would have to come from the IOC. The head, the newly elected president, was elected to her position in March and has so far not hold a public appearance with Trump, although she said that she would like a meeting with Trump at eventually.

Further Comments

He also criticized California governor Newsom’s response of this year’s blazes, remarking that a parallel incident could cause the relocation of the Games.

“In case the governor is uncooperative, we’re gonna have to be strict,” the former president commented.

His statement was just as clear for the Massachusetts city.

“Boston better address these issues,” he remarked. “That’s all my message.”