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Former President Trump has repeatedly stated he would pressure FIFA to pull global soccer tournament games from a venue based on that city's governance, with the Boston region emerging as the latest such city to face such statements from the US president. Furthermore, Trump remarked he would consider similar action against Southern California for the 2028 Summer Games due to possible public safety risks.

Official Power and Possible Pressure

While Trump lacks direct legal authority to unilaterally remove either tournament, he can apply pressure the international organizations overseeing each event to shift host cities.

Setting for Statements

These statements were made during a press event with Argentinian president Milei, who was present in the executive mansion following the announcement of a $20 billion rescue package for the Latin American nation. Near the end of the meeting, a reporter asked Trump about a recent unauthorized gathering in the city where law enforcement were targeted and a patrol car was burned. The correspondent also asked if the situation could lead to the loss of organizing rights for the expanded football competition.

“I would take them away,” he stated regarding the FIFA World Cup matches, scheduled to be held at the Massachusetts arena. “She is ineffective … she is far-left, and they’re taking over areas of downtown. That’s a significant statement, isn't it?”

Street Takeovers and Political Context

Street takeovers, a online-fueled occurrence where large crowds gather on urban roads during nighttime to engage in dangerous driving, have become a repeated problem in metropolitan centers since the lockdown restrictions. Latest similar events have escalated into violence in the state, specifically in Boston. Nevertheless, these events are usually not seen as linked to any distinct political ideology.

“When a city is failing, and I perceive exist unsafe conditions, I will call the organization's president, who is outstanding, and suggest we should relocate it to an alternate venue,” he said on Tuesday. “He'd do that. He might not prefer the action, but he'd agree. Without hesitation, he’d do it.”

Political Connections

Gianni Infantino has been open his efforts to be publicly aligned with Trump prior to the 2026 event, planned to be hosted in multiple US locations across the US along with several in Canada and a few in Mexico. The FIFA president has been present at several White House events, had Trump present the FIFA club trophy after that tournament’s final, and has even rescheduled his own organization’s congress to travel with Trump on a visit to the Gulf states this year.

Past Statements

Nevertheless, Trump from threatening the cancellation of soccer events from additional American venues. In late September, the Washington city and San Francisco were similar comments, with Trump claiming both cities were “run by far-left extremists who don’t know what they are doing,” while criticizing the safety level of both areas and implying that events could be relocated.

FIFA Response

Victor Montagliani rebuffed Trump’s claims when he responded days later at a event in England.

“It’s FIFA’s tournament, under our authority, FIFA makes such choices,” he stated. “With all due respect to national heads, soccer is more important than political figures and the game will endure their administration and their leadership. That’s the beauty of football, that it is bigger than any individual and beyond individual states.”

Olympics Threat

On Tuesday, Trump’s answer to a question about Boston extended to a similar threat regarding the LA Olympic event.

“If I thought the city was not adequately ready, I will relocate it to a different city as needed,” Trump stated. “On that one I might have to obtain a alternative permission, but we'd proceed.”

Official consent Trump alluded to would need to come through the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Their president, the newly elected president, was selected to her post in this year and has so far not appear together with Trump, but she indicated that she hopes for a discussion with Trump at eventually.

Additional Criticism

Trump also condemned California governor Newsom’s response of recent blazes, stating that a similar situation could cause the relocation of the Olympics.

“If Newsom doesn’t play ball, we will have to be firm,” the former president stated.

His message was similarly unambiguous for the Massachusetts city.

“The city must improve their situation,” Trump stated. “That’s all I can say.”